"My wish is that Didier (Deschamps) remains" at the head of the France team after the World Cup, indicates the president of the French Football Federation Noël Le Graët, Tuesday in an interview with Le Figaro, recalling that there will be "a discussion" between them in the event of elimination in the quarterfinals.
“We have a clear objective: the semi-finals.
I have always said that if he reached this level, the decision belonged to him”, repeated the boss of the “3F”.
In the event of elimination, Saturday in the quarters against England, "we discuss", he adds to the daily.
As often, Le Graët does not close any doors.
“Will he want to continue?
What are the issues that may arise?
Even if we are at a high level, the slightest defeat brings a flood of criticism...", says the manager, referring to "an exposed, difficult position" but for which Deschamps "is made".
“When you are lucky enough to have a Didier Deschamps...”
The contract of Deschamps and his staff ends on December 31, 2022, after the World Cup.
The decision not to extend the coach was taken after the early elimination suffered in the round of 16 of the Euro against Switzerland (3-3, 5-4 tab) in the summer of 2021, a first since the start of the Deschamps era ten years ago.
Questioned by Le Figaro, Le Graët claims to have “never called” Zinédine Zidane with a view to a possible succession.
“That would have been incorrect of me.
No one around me called him for me anyway.
“When you're lucky enough to have a Didier Deschamps, you don't knock on the next door, as long as he's in place.
You insist.
So I'll be honest: my wish is that Didier stays.
Who do you want to find better?
It is the president who speaks, not the friend,” he explained.