(Paris) Farewell, Didier. Hello Zinedine?
Posted yesterday at 12:56 pm.
Didier Deschamps will make his final appearance for France on Saturday when the Blues take on England at Miami Gardens. The winners will finish third, which is a bitter taste after heavy defeats in the semi-finals.
It was an unfortunate ending for Deschamps as the talented French team were considered favorites to win another World Cup. Now, Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as coach is set to be officially announced in the coming days by the French Football Federation.
Deschamps years
France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018, lost in the final in 2022 and then lost tactically to Spain on Tuesday.
In 14 years, Deschamps has won just one major trophy – the most important of them all – including defeat in the European Championship final at home in 2016.
Some observers believe this is not enough given the talent France has at its disposal, with players such as Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, as well as Ballon d’Or winners Ousmane Dembele and Karim Benzema. Others instead point out that France has been remarkably consistent under Deschamps, now 57.
Regardless of one’s point of view, his replacement will have a heavy responsibility and a great aura will be an advantage. Zidane, one of the greatest players in French football history who also enjoyed success at Real Madrid, seems the ideal candidate.
Players who are polar opposites of each other, Zidane and Deschamps are forever linked by fame.
A tireless midfielder, Deschamps captained France as they won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000, and Zidane was the irresistible creative force who took that brilliant team to new heights.
Here’s a preview of what France will look like under Zidane.
What will change?
France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain was less close than the scoreline suggests.
France showed tactical weakness under constant pressure from Spain. Completely dominant in midfield, she was unable to apply any pressure of her own. The attack failed and Deschamps had no plan B to turn the tide.
Deschamps has had his detractors over the years, including Christophe Dugarry, his former national teammate. The latter believes his approach is too restrictive and lacks creativity in midfield.
Zidane would undoubtedly like to take a more attacking approach, similar to his heyday when he played like a true playmaker.
Return of Benzema?
Zidane is a big supporter of Benzema. They became close friends when Zidane was head coach of Real Madrid.
PHOTO SUSANA VERA, REUTERS ARCHIVE
Zinedine Zidane
Together they won three Champions League titles in a row, from 2016 to 2018, with Benzema becoming a more complete player with impeccable finishing touches supported by Zidane. However, Benzema is 38 years old and this could be a hindrance.
But given the way Lionel Messi defied the laws of age at the World Cup at 39, Zidane may think Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, still has something to offer.
Five year absence
The question is whether Zidane is ready for the role, given that he has not managed a team since his second spell at Real ended in 2021.
This break could also do him good, away from the stress and attention.
If 54-year-old Zidane takes charge, his first match will be away to Turkey in the Nations League on September 25, followed by a match in Belgium three days later.
French fans will have to wait until October 2 to catch a glimpse of Zidane at the Stade de France when France take on Italy.