Noël Le Graëtformer president of the French Football Federation, commented to RMC Sports the news of the farewell of Didier Deschamps to the national team, which will be effective after the 2026 World Cup. It was he who wanted the former Juventus midfielder to lead the Galletti in 2012, replacing Laurent Blanc.
What is your first reaction after the announcement of Didier Deschamps’ departure from the French team in 2026?
“It was somehow planned. We had extended the contract for four years after Qatar so that he could play his fourth World Cup, he deserved it. He won one (in 2018) and lost one final (2022). It seems like a wise decision. Is it the right time or not? I don’t know, but it was more or less expected.”
Have you discussed it with him?
“I haven’t heard from anyone in the last few days.”
What memories do you have of the collaboration between 2012 and 2023?
“The 2018 World Cup, but also the comeback against Ukraine in 2014: we had to win 3-0 at the Stade de France and we did it. We were very complicit at that moment. Didier is a winner, someone who works a lot. He was lucky too: I went to pick him up in Marseille (in 2012), he wasn’t having a good time. He’s a very hard-working, serious, rigorous man.”
Did you imagine he would stay 14 years?
“No, we cannot predict it. We wanted to work together for a long time, because it was not a period in which France dominated. Today we are still second in the FIFA ranking behind Argentina. We are the first European country. This shows that Didier has made a great job.”
Could he take over the leadership of the Federation?
“I wanted him at some point, but at the moment he’s a practical guy. Later maybe, but I think he prefers the field to the federal management. It wasn’t in his goals at all.”
Who do you think will take the place on the bench?
“I don’t know, frankly, it depends on the executive committee. So much can happen in two years.”
The French only see Zidane…
“This is nothing new, it’s not a scoop. But I don’t know if he’s really interested, I haven’t had any contact with him.”