PARIS (AP) — Goodbye, Didier. Bonjour Zidane?
Didier Deschamps will be in charge of his final game for France on Saturday when Les Bleus take on England. world cup In Miami. The winner will take third place, a culminating prize brought on by a crushing defeat in the semi-finals.
it is disappointing ending When many observers touted Deschamps’ reign, star-studded attack To win the World Cup again. The French Football Federation is widely expected to approve Zinedine Zidane as the new France national team coach in the coming days.
Deschamps era
France won the World Cup under Deschamps. in 2018lost in a heart-breaking final on penalties. in 2022and they fell short tactically against Spain on Tuesday.
During Deschamps’ 14 years in charge, he has only won one major trophy, the biggest of them all, losing in the 2016 European Championship final on home soil.
Some observers suggest this was not enough given the talent at France’s disposal, including Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Ballon d’Or winners Ousmane Dembele and Karim Benzema, while others argue that France have been surprisingly stable under Deschamps, now 57 years old.
No matter how you look at it, France’s next manager has a big job ahead of him and a big aura will help. Arguably France’s greatest ever player and a hugely successful manager at Real Madrid, Zidane seems like the perfect fit.
Zidane and Deschamps, diametrically opposed as players, are forever linked by glory.
Deschamps, a hard-working midfielder, was France’s energetic captain who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, while Zinedine was the unstoppable creative force who propelled his glittering team to new heights.
Let’s see what happens with France under Zidane.
What would Zidane change?
France’s 2-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals was even worse than the score suggests.
Under constant pressure from the skilful Spaniards, the French found themselves at a tactical disadvantage. France, who were completely dominated in midfield, made a complete mistake in their pressing game. The attack slowed and Deschamps had no plan ‘B’ to turn things around.
Deschamps has long had critics of his approach, chief among them former France team-mate Christophe Dugarry. They argued that Deschamps’ approach was too restrictive and lacked enough creativity in the center of midfield.
Zidane will undoubtedly want a more expansive approach, similar to his heyday when he roamed the field as a playmaker. michael orise or Rayan Cherki He could play that role.
Both players are technically gifted, but neither is a playmaker like Zidane. Another option could be Dembele, who is in good form at Paris Saint-Germain, could step deeper into the role.
Benzema return?
Zidane is a big fan of Benzema and they became close friends when Zidane coached Benzema at Real Madrid.
Together they won three consecutive Champions Leagues between 2016 and 2018, with Benzema becoming a more complete player and relentless finisher under Zidane’s tutelage. Benzema is 38 years old and his age could be a hindrance.
However, considering the situation, Lionel Messi beyond his age The 39-year-old’s performance at the World Cup has been dazzling, but Zidane may think of Benzema as: 2022 Ballon d’Or winners —There is still something I want to give you. His excellent technical skills and passing ability could be used effectively, especially if he plays a more reserved role.
Deschamps’ critics never forgave him remove benzema Benzema’s questionable role cost him the better part of six years. “Sex Tape Scandal” His target was his then-France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
However, France won the World Cup without Benzema.
he was I finally remembered Just in time for the 2021 European Championship. There, he became France’s top scorer with four goals and combined brilliantly with Mbappé in winning the championship. nations league later that year.
Benzema had a falling out with Deschamps after he was ruled out of the 2022 World Cup due to an unforeseen accident. thigh injuryBenzema disputed the events that led to his departure.
It would be a big ask for Zidane to bring him back, but it is not impossible.
5 years left from the game
One question is how prepared Zidane is for such a high-pressure job, given that he has not coached since leaving Madrid at the end of his second spell in 2021.
But he will feel refreshed after a few years away from the stress and scrutiny of management.
If the 54-year-old Zidane were to take over as manager, his first game would be away to Turkey in the Nations League on September 25, followed by a game in Belgium three days later.
Home fans will have to wait until October 2nd to catch a glimpse of Zidane at the Stade de France, where France take on Italy.
Zidane’s last game for France was in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. He scored an early goal with a Panenka-style penalty, but had the ignominious moment of extra time when he was given a red card for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
In the final, France lost on penalties, but the French people quickly forgave Zidane (affectionately known as “Zizou”) from the match, and his deep ties with the people were as strong as they were.
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