Introduction
Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France’s national football team, is facing increasing pressure to integrate a bevy of exceptional players into his lineup. His challenge escalated with the emergence of talented winger Désiré Doue. During the March international break, Deschamps contended with the delicate balance of maximizing Kylian Mbappé‘s attacking prowess, exploiting Ousmane Dembélé‘s superb form in a false nine role, and allowing Michael Olise to flourish in his national team debut.
Match Performance Overview
France’s recent Nations League quarter-final matchup against Croatia showcased mixed results in this endeavor. In the first leg, which ended in a 2-0 loss in Split, Dembélé’s central positioning did not generate the expected impact, with Mbappé continuing his streak of seven international appearances without a goal. However, the return leg saw Olise shine, netting a stunning free kick at the Stade de France, contributing to a victorious penalty shootout. Similarly, Doue, who came on as a substitute, successfully converted his penalty kick, further enhancing his growing reputation.
Doue’s Rising Star
Doue’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he starred in PSG’s momentous 5-0 victory over Inter in the Champions League final, marking his impact as he became the first player to record three goal contributions in a single final since the competition’s revamped format. Following this achievement, he joined the national team with newly heightened expectations and confidence.
Deschamps shared his admiration for Doue’s journey from Rennes to PSG, emphasizing his dedication and remarkable composure.
“I was not taken aback by his performance; he seamlessly transitioned from doing great things at Rennes to excelling at PSG,”
Deschamps noted. The coach mentioned the importance of a strong work ethic and the groundwork laid early in Doue’s career, enabling him to thrive at such a young age, especially as he approaches his 20th birthday.
Team Dynamics and Strategies
The France coach highlighted that Doue possesses not only the ability to impact the game offensively but also the stamina to contribute significantly across various positions on the field. Deschamps humorously noted the significance of having two players with the initials “DD” on the squad, leading to the logical inclusion of the prodigious talent.
While discussing the ramifications of PSG’s recent success in Europe, Deschamps expressed pride in a French club’s accomplishment yet remained cautious about drawing parallels between club and national team dynamics. Despite PSG’s tactical cohesion and aggressive playing style under coach Luis Enrique, he believes replicating that system with the French squad is not feasible given the differences in player familiarity and structure. Deschamps pointed out that many of PSG’s key players are not representative of the French national identity, making it challenging to incorporate elements of their approach into the national team’s gameplay.
Focus on Key Players
Undeniably, while the focus is on rising stars like Doue and established talents such as Dembélé, Deschamps made sure to acknowledge the importance of Mbappé amidst discussions of individual accolades, especially with the Ballon d’Or on the horizon. He recognized the extraordinary potential of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, who poses a significant challenge in their upcoming Nations League semi-final against Spain.
Deschamps’ Legacy and Future
As a coach nearing the end of his distinguished 14-year tenure, having guided France to tremendous successes, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Deschamps is aware of the weight of expectation and scrutiny. He has opted to focus on bringing new energy into the squad, believing that his formative choices regarding younger talent will benefit not only this national team but also his eventual successor.
While Zinedine Zidane remains a key candidate for the coaching role post-Deschamps, the current coach is clear that his primary concern is the present team and upcoming matches. He rejects the notion that personal legacy drives him, maintaining that his commitment to the French squad remains steadfast and unwavering. Deschamps continues to dedicate his career to the blue, white, and red jersey, with his focus firmly set on achieving further glory for the team before his departure.
