The France team will face Norway in the final round of the World Cup group stage without the presence of its head coach. Didier Deschamps will not be in charge of the Bleus in the appointment scheduled for next Friday (26), at 4pm (Brasília time), in Boston, in the United States, due to a personal reason.
The absence of the French commander is the result of the death of his mother, news that the coach received this Tuesday morning (23). Faced with the painful situation, Deschamps chose to immediately leave the team’s delegation and travel back to France to participate in the funeral ceremonies and pay his last respects to his mother.
The 57-year-old coach, who already has a successful record at the helm of the national team, established a formal agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation. This understanding allows him to step away from team responsibilities without compromising preparations for the crucial clash against the Norwegians, ensuring his support.
In an official statement, the French Football Federation expressed its solidarity. “In this moment of extreme pain, we wish the coach and his family a lot of strength, and we guarantee the unrestricted support of everyone in the Federation”, stated the entity, demonstrating understanding and full support for its leader in such a delicate and personal period.
Assistant takes the lead of the French team in the duel against Norway
The responsibility of leading France, two-time world champion, in the decisive clash against Norway will fall to experienced assistant coach Guy Stéphan. He will assume the role of interim coach and remain in charge of the team until Didier Deschamps returns to the United States, ensuring continuity of strategy and leadership.
The 69-year-old professional has an extensive and highly trusted career alongside Deschamps, acting as his main assistant since the coach’s arrival at the French national team in 2012. The partnership between them is not new, having begun years before, during Deschamps’ victorious spell at Olympique de Marseille, between 2009 and 2012. This deep historical collaboration ensures that the transition will be made by experienced hands who already know the team’s dynamics.
Guy Stéphan’s career goes beyond the partnership with Deschamps, reinforcing his capacity for the role. He has already served as an assistant coach for the main French team between 1998 and 2002, under the command of Roger Lemerre, a period that included winning the 2000 Euro Cup. Furthermore, Stéphan has extensive experience as a head coach at clubs such as Caen, Lyon and Bordeaux, and led the Senegal national team between 2003 and 2005, bringing a robust CV to the current challenge.