Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat — Didier Deschamps has left the France squad following the death of his mother, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Tuesday, meaning the head coach will miss Friday’s World Cup group stage clash with Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Deschamps, 57, flew home to be with his family and attend the funeral. He won’t be on the touchline when Les Bleus take on Norway; a match that still has something riding on it, with top spot in Group I yet to be decided.
“He learned this morning of the death of his mother,” the FFF said in a statement, confirming that assistant coach Guy Stéphan will run the squad in his absence.
“At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone’s support.”
The timing is particularly tough. Deschamps has been at the helm of the national team since 2012 and has already announced he’ll step down when the tournament ends, making this his final World Cup as France manager. Losing his mother in the middle of it adds a dimension no amount of preparation covers.
France are through to the knockouts after beating Senegal and Iraq in their opening two games, so there’s no panic, but Norway have also won their two matches and the first place is still on the table, giving Friday’s match real meaning.
Stéphan, one of Deschamps’ longest-serving and most trusted aides, now shoulders that responsibility, preparing the side to face a Norway team built around the outstanding Erling Haaland.
In the background, the hope inside the France camp will be simple: put in a performance that, whatever the result, their manager can feel proud of.
