Didier Deschamps to leave World Cup camp after mother’s death
Didier Deschamps will temporarily leave France’s World Cup camp after the death of his mother, with the long-serving national team manager set to return home to attend her funeral, reports BritPanorama.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that Deschamps had received the devastating news earlier in the day and would depart the United States to spend time with his family.
As a result, the 57-year-old will not be in the dugout for France’s final Group I fixture against Norway in Boston on Friday. Assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee preparations and take charge of the team in Deschamps’ absence as Les Bleus attempt to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.
The timing of the tragedy comes during what has otherwise been an encouraging start to the tournament for France, who have already secured their place in the knockout rounds after winning their opening two matches. Deschamps guided his side to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Senegal in New Jersey last Tuesday before watching them produce another assured display in a 3-0 triumph against Iraq in Philadelphia.
Friday’s meeting with Norway will determine who finishes top of Group I, though qualification to the last 32 has already been assured for both nations. The French side is expected to dedicate their performance to their absent coach as they look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.
The French Football Federation did not disclose further details regarding the death of Deschamps’ mother but confirmed that the manager would rejoin the squad after attending the funeral. Deschamps has been at the helm of the French national team since 2012 and remains one of the most decorated figures in the country’s football history.
As a player, he captained France to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998 before helping his country win the European Championship two years later. He has since enjoyed considerable success from the touchline, ending France’s 20-year wait for another World Cup title by leading them to victory in Russia in 2018. Only a handful of individuals have managed to win football’s biggest prize as both a player and a manager, placing Deschamps among an elite group within the sport.
While football takes a back seat during this personal time, it remains to be seen how France can channel their resolve in their coach’s absence, perhaps reminding us all that the game can sometimes be a backdrop to life’s profound realities.
