FFF president Philippe Diallo adresses future of under-fire France manager Didier Deschamps | OneFootball

Despite leading France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and then leading the nation to another World Cup final four years later, Didier Deschamps has come in for criticism in recent months.

He has taken Les Bleus to the semi-final stage – or better – in four of the last five major tournaments, including at Euro 2024 in Germany earlier this summer. However, the way in which France reached the semi-final, which they ultimately lost against eventual winners Spain, was the source of criticism.

Les Bleus – and specifically Deschamps – were criticised for their negative play-style and lack of creativity and intent on the ball. Only one Frenchman scored from open play in Germany – Randal Kolo Muani in the semi-final. France then lost their next competitive match, against Italy in the UEFA Nations League last Friday.

It is the first time that France have lost two competitive matches in a row since 2015. However, speaking to Le Figaro, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Philippe Diallo, assured that the managerial position was not under threat.

Whilst admitting the shortcomings against Italy, Diallo expressed his support for Deschamps. “Didier is under contract until 2016, so as of today, the question [about his future] isn’t a topic. The question now is, and I liked the word that Didier used, is breathing new life into this team. This breathing of new life is Didier’s will and I share that. I think he will use this Nations League to prepare for our major objective – the World Cup in 2026,” said Diallo.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle