Didier Deschamps is facing mounting criticism following the French national team's elimination in the semi-final of Euro 2024, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain. The current head coach, who led France to a World Cup victory in 1998, is now under scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
According to a recent Odoxa survey conducted for RTL and Winamax, 33% of French people believe Deschamps should step down from his position. This sentiment is even stronger among football enthusiasts, with 51% calling for his departure. This is a significant increase from July 2021, when only 25% of football fans wanted him gone.
The primary criticism directed at Deschamps revolves around a perceived lack of offensive ambition. A staggering 83% of survey respondents deplore the team's lack of attacking prowess. Additionally, 58% of the French populace are disappointed with the team's overall progress.
Football fans also criticize Deschamps' management of player substitutions. Nearly 75% of respondents believe Olivier Giroud should have been given more playing time, while 66% think Antoine Griezmann should have started the match against Spain instead of coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute. Moreover, 71% of football fans feel that Deschamps should have made more tactical changes during matches.
Despite these criticisms, Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), has reiterated his support for Deschamps, stating that the coach will honor his contract and remain in his position until 2026. This stance, however, is not universally accepted among fans.
The potential for Zinedine Zidane to take over as head coach of the French team is gaining traction among supporters. Since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, Zidane has expressed interest in coaching the national team. In 2023, former French international Robert Pirès revealed on the Canal Football Club show that Zidane has aspirations to become the new coach of the Blues.
