France face England in bronze final at 17:00 (ET) on 18 July
Team eyeing a win to give coach memorable send-off at Miami Stadium
End of an era for France as legendary coach will step down after match
On 15 August 2012, made his debut as coach in Le Havre. Since then, more than 5,000 days – close to 14 years – have passed. Deschamps’ loyal service to the national team will come to an end after the in Miami. For French football, it’s the end of an era. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, defender Ibrahima Konate began by paying tribute to his coach’s achievements.
“First of all, I would like to thank him, his staff and everyone who has supported him throughout his long journey with the French national team, because it’s been a long road. He has brought so much joy to the French people. It’s true, there have also been some disappointments along the way, but we mustn’t forget all the happiness he’s given us,” said the centre-back who recently signed for Real Madrid.
France and their fans would obviously have preferred to bid Deschamps farewell at the final. Instead they will have to settle for the bronze-medal match. Nevertheless, despite the lingering disappointment of the , the France squad are determined to do their coach proud.
“We aren’t headed to the match we were hoping for, but we still have a match to play and we have a duty to fulfil,” Deschamps told reporters. “When you wear the France shirt, it’s not just about what you get, it’s also about giving back. It’s the standard I set for myself, for my staff and for the players too. We have a responsibility towards every France fan who has followed us and shared in our ups and downs.”
A victory at Miami Stadium would see Les Bleus finish in the top three at a World Cup for the seventh time. But to do that, they must rekindle the fire for Saturday’s tie. England, who have had their sights set on football’s ultimate prize since they last won it in 1966, must also pick themselves up after a heartbreaking .
“They are a very good team,” said Konate, who knows better than most, having spent five years playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League. “They fought like lions against Argentina […] I think England are a close-knit team with a rich footballing history. We’re looking forward to the challenge and we’ll give it our all to win.”
“As a head coach, together with my staff, we will do everything to win,” echoed Deschamps. “I hope that we’ll succeed, but the most important thing is to give it our all.”
Although the veteran technician refused to talk about himself ahead of the match, he did acknowledge that the end of his tenure was approaching.
“The final curtain falls tomorrow,” he said. “I will miss the team, of course. I’ve had the privilege of being at the helm for 15 years and experiencing the highs and lows together. The French national team, and everything it has come to embody for me professionally, is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me. It has been part of my life for 25 years.”
Deschamps’ coaching career with France began with a goalless draw against Uruguay in a friendly. Much has happened since that day in Le Havre, but Les Bleus will be keen to give their loyal coach the send-off he deserves by honouring him with a win in Miami. One last hurrah for the extraordinary man who has written one of the finest chapters in French footballing history.
Sources: FIFA Official
