France manager Deschamps faces not having contract renewed if he loses to England in World Cup as Zidane waits in wings | The Sun
FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps could leave his role as national team manager if they lose to England on Saturday.
The 54-year-old led Les Bleus to their second World Cup four years ago – two decades after helping them win their first as captain.
They then suffered disappointment at the Euros as Switzerland knocked them out on penalties in the last-16.
But the world champions have dusted themselves off and looked thoroughly impressive in Qatar, making light work of Poland to set up a last-eight clash with Gareth Southgate's men.
Yet despite Deschamps' achievements as head coach, the France Football Federation may still decide against handing him a new contract if they go out of the World Cup at the hands of England.
His current deal expires at the end of the tournament.
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And France Football's president Noel Le Graet explicitly stated before the action got underway in Qatar that the decision about his future would only be his to make if he reached the semi-finals.
Le Graet said: "We both agree that we will see each other right after the World Cup.
"If we make it to the semi-finals, it's your choice [Deschamps']. If you feel motivated to continue, there won't even be a discussion about it because you will have earned it.
"If we are not in the last four, we will have to talk about it. In that case, I have the upper hand."
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If Deschamps was to leave after the World Cup, Zinedine Zidane is the overwhelming favourite to replace him.
The ex-Real Madrid manager, who won three Champions Leagues in a row during his time at the Bernabeu, was a team-mate of Deschamps' during their 1998 triumph.
He has been out of work since May 2021 when his second stint as Los Blancos boss came to an end.
But in October he told RMC Sport he was "very close" to returning to management.
And the France role is thought to be the one he is holding out for – having previously turned down the chance to join Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
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