Didier Deschamps will hold his last match as France manager on Saturday. The night before his farewell, he gave an emotional speech – calling the national team “the most beautiful thing that has happened to me”.
Deschamps will be on the bench for the last time when France face England in the bronze final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This ends a 14-year era that resulted in World Championship gold in 2018 and silver in 2022.
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“I feel my responsibility ahead of this game. There is no friendly match. It’s not the game we’d rather play, but it’s here. There is a third place at stake and I have a duty – together with the staff and the players – to do everything possible to achieve this goal,” Deschamps said at the press conference.
“When there is victory, smiles and joy, there are fantastic moments. When that doesn’t happen, it’s less comfortable – but you have to accept it. Going out was definitely partly our fault, but it was also due to the quality of Spain, who raised the standard.
Saliba gritted his teeth
The physical strain after the loss to Spain was enormous. William Saliba had to go off after just 30 minutes with a back injury that he has been struggling with since March.
“William Saliba’s injury is problematic. It hasn’t gotten worse, but he’s been carrying it for a long time. Unfortunately for him and us, the pain eventually became unbearable,” Deschamps said.
Saliba may now need surgery before the new season.
“I was a shadow of myself”
Deschamps also admitted that Adriens Rabiot’s yellow card situation affected France’s performance against Spain. He highlighted his own experiences as a player:
“Adrien came to me and said, ‘Coach, I can’t play normally anymore.’ I understood, because I was a player in two semi-finals with a yellow card hanging over my head. I was a shadow of myself – you always have the handbrake on.
“Could I have done things differently?” Yes, but I don’t know how it would go. I made the choices based on what I was thinking at the time, with my experience and knowledge. Afterwards, it leaves room for interpretation.
Mbappé chasing the Golden Boot
Kylian Mbappé goes into the bronze final tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals – with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham right behind on six.
“There are always motivational levers, but Kylian doesn’t need a lever. It is better to be number three than number four. We will do everything to achieve the goal and Kylian will do the same as captain,” Deschamps said.
Of Michael Olise, who struggled against Spain, Deschamps said:
“He wasn’t at his best, like the other players. He still has room for progress. He’s going to get even better.
“The French national team is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me
Deschamps was at his most emotional when he spoke about Saturday’s game as the final chapter in his international career – which started in 2012.
“We have to play and respect the game. Without a doubt, had it not been for this game, it would have been better for both England and us. But it’s the World Cup, and third place is the goal. We will do everything to achieve it.
– How many teams went home? There were 44 before the semi-finals. So we’re here. We don’t have the game we wanted, but we have one.
“It’s a duty when you wear this shirt. It is a responsibility to bear it for the millions of French men and women who stand behind us, who were excited, who were disappointed – and for the young generation.
“I know that the last curtain will fall tomorrow. I don’t think anyone will cry here, but I know that the French national team will miss me. I had the privilege for 15 years to be up there with this jersey – and experience wonderful and difficult moments.
“Then life goes on, and I don’t know what it will bring. But I am of a positive nature – I know that it will also be good.
“The French national team, with all that it can entail, is in my professional life the most beautiful thing that has happened to me. It took 25 years of my life. 25 years of a person’s life – it leaves a trace, unforgettable memories. But the most important thing is always ahead of you.
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