In office since 2012, Didier Deschamps extended his impressive mandate on December 10: the Blues coach, 51, will lead the French team to the 2022 World Cup to defend his title in Qatar. He received The world at the Paris headquarters of the French Football Federation, six months from Euro 2020.
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Why did you extend to the 2022 World Cup?
President (from the French Football Federation (FFF), Noël Le Graët) is part of a logic of results. As in 2013, in 2015 and in 2017, we started to raise the subject only after the qualification (for Euro 2020) acquired. He always considered that it was better to approach a great competition with a coach who will be in place afterwards. For me, there is nothing better than the France team.
Why this horizon, and not just Euro 2020, which could be a revenge on the lost final of the 2016 edition?
The only deadline that matters is the Euro next summer. In my mind, there is no revenge to take. It is not because we have been world champions that this passion, this desire has faded. I don't consider my mission as a coach to be a job. It would be indecent. I have the privilege of making my passion my profession. I realize that this is not the case for everyone. It’s a very great freedom not to do something out of obligation. That said, do not think that I am doing nothing between two international gatherings. I have an agenda, missions …
At a time of strikes against the pension reform, is this your last mandate?
When you're a coach or coach, the age limit doesn't exist. It's the results that make it last. I had pivotal moments: the play-off against Ukraine in 2013, the round of 16 against Argentina in Russia. I didn’t know what would happen next. But it didn't affect my attitude or my choices.
Can we speak of a Deschamps generation?
"I don't think I'll be there for ten years"
You can see it like that, since I have been in office for seven years and the vast majority of players have known only me as coach. Several of them, like Raphaël Varane, 19 at the time, were there on August 15, 2012 in Le Havre against Uruguay. I know very well that, since August 15, 2012, each day brings me a little closer to the end. Players between the ages of 20 and 25 are expected to have a decade or so in front of them. I don't think I'll be there for ten years.
