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Didier Deschamps, the manager of the French national football team, has had a rocky road in recent years. Despite being hailed as a successful coach and having led the team to victory in the 2018 World Cup, there have been some who argue that he has not been living up to expectations. This article will break down the reasons why Deschamps is not meeting the high standards expected of him and delve into the factors contributing to his perceived underperformance.
One of the primary reasons why Didier Deschamps is not living up to expectations is the underwhelming performance of the French national team in major tournaments. While the World Cup victory in 2018 was undoubtedly a high point, the team has struggled to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments. The lackluster performance in the UEFA Euro 2020, where France were eliminated in the round of 16, was a major disappointment for fans and critics alike.
Deschamps has been criticized for his lack of tactical flexibility, with many arguing that his conservative approach has hindered the team’s performance. While his preferred defensive-minded tactics have yielded success in the past, there are times when a more proactive and attacking style of play is needed. The failure to adapt to different opponents and situations has been a glaring weakness for Deschamps and has resulted in missed opportunities for the national team.
Another area where Didier Deschamps has come under fire is his struggles with team selection. There have been instances where his choices for the starting lineup and substitutions have raised eyebrows, with some questioning the rationale behind his decisions. The exclusion of certain talented players from the squad and the persistent reliance on certain individuals have been points of contention, leading to doubts about Deschamps’ judgment and decision-making abilities.
Deschamps’ management of the players and team harmony has also been a subject of criticism. Reports of internal conflicts and discord within the squad have surfaced, raising questions about the manager’s ability to foster a cohesive and harmonious team environment. The lack of unity and cohesion on the field has been evident at times, with the team failing to gel and perform to its full potential under Deschamps’ leadership.
While Didier Deschamps has enjoyed success as the manager of the French national team, there are valid reasons why he is not living up to expectations. The underwhelming performance in major tournaments, lack of tactical flexibility, struggles with team selection, and issues with player management and team harmony have all contributed to the growing concerns about his effectiveness as a coach. As the team prepares for future challenges, it remains to be seen whether Deschamps can address these issues and regain the trust and confidence of his critics and supporters.
At the final of the Olympic football tournament, Didier Deschamps was in attendance at the Parc des Princes when France conceded their third goal against Spain from a poorly defended free kick.
Thierry Henry, who could potentially succeed Deschamps as head of the French A team, was leading the Spanish team. Deschamps seemed displeased with what he witnessed in the first half of the game, as it mirrored a previous match between France and Spain. The quick opening goal from Les Bleus was swiftly countered by two goals from Spain’s Enzo Millot and Fermin Lopez.
The situation worsened when Alex Baena scored a third goal for Spain through a well-placed free kick that left Guillaume Restes with no chance to react. In that moment, sitting alongside Youri Djorkaeff and Arsène Wenger, Didier Deschamps noticeably expressed his disappointment by hiding his face with his hand.
With only 45 minutes remaining in the game, France had an opportunity to turn things around and put a smile back on their former captain’s face.