Didier Deschamps Discusses Future After French National Team Role

Didier Deschamps, the accomplished manager of the French national football team, has acknowledged engaging in discussions with a Saudi club concerning his career prospects following his departure from Les Bleus after the 2026 World Cup.

In an interview with Telefoot, Deschamps stated, “I may have had some contact, but not specifically with them. I’m not going to name names, but they are aware of my situation.”

Having announced his exit from the French national team in January, which concluded a tenure that began in 2012, Deschamps was questioned about the possibility of extending his stay should the team secure victory in the upcoming World Cup. He firmly denied such speculation: “That’s false, absolutely. From the moment I made my decision—and I will not revisit it—that’s clear. I will be free after the scheduled deadlines, and I am not ruling anything out.”

Deschamps also addressed ongoing rumors about his post-France future, explicitly denying any intention of returning to Juventus, where he both played (1994-1999) and managed (2006-2007), leading them back to Serie A.

Moreover, he dismissed claims linking him to the Brazil national team. A Brazilian media outlet had suggested that the former Marseille coach might consider taking the reins of the Selecao, but Deschamps retorted: “False. Never say never, but I don’t see myself managing another nation. Given what the French national team, La Marseillaise, means to me, I can’t envision myself on the bench with another anthem.”

This emphatic statement effectively narrows his possible future roles, focusing his options primarily on club football, with a return to Paris Saint-Germain not entirely ruled out. “I’m not ruling anything out; I’ll be available,” he affirmed when asked about PSG. “But I don’t have anything in mind at the moment. Depending on the offers, I’ll choose. I’m not focused on anything specific. I do not know, and I do not wish to know what my future holds. It does not concern me. I repeat, I’m not closing any doors, except for managing another national team, unless I change my mind. But I highly doubt that.”

Meanwhile, Deschamps has been navigating ongoing tensions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding player injuries, particularly concerning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Dembele was forced off the pitch after just 25 minutes during PSG’s Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich last week, further complicating a challenging season for the 28-year-old, who has faced multiple injuries.

At a press conference where he announced the France squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Deschamps expressed his regret over Dembele’s situation. “I’m especially saddened for Ous. Last season, he was free from injury, and now he’s been plagued by a series of them,” he conveyed to reporters. He emphasized that he would refrain from adding fuel to the fire in the ongoing dispute between Les Bleus and PSG regarding player fitness.

“I’m not interested in controversy. We share a common goal: his absence is detrimental for both PSG and us. I hope he recovers quickly,” Deschamps noted, steering clear of direct criticism of the club’s management. The history of injuries to French players while on international duty, including Dembele and Desire Doue during a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, has incited public ire from the Ligue 1 champions, who claim these injuries were “serious and avoidable.”

Deschamps reiterated the inherent risks associated with football, stating, “What occurs at PSG is their business; I do not possess all the information. I would not presume to comment on any club; they have the authority to decide. Just like us. There have always been exchanges regarding player injuries. I am not here to change the medical protocol. The fact that clubs have more decision-making power than national teams is not for me to decide. I am not in Luis Enrique’s position, just as he isn’t in mine. Once the players are on the pitch, there is always a risk.”

Despite these off-field discussions regarding his future and ongoing injury concerns, Deschamps remains focused on his immediate objective: securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Currently, France leads Group D with 10 points from their four matches.

Les Bleus are set to face Ukraine on November 13 and Azerbaijan on November 16 in their final set of qualifiers. With just one point needed to confirm their spot at the World Cup, Deschamps’ team is determined to secure maximum points against Ukraine. This would not only secure their qualification but also ensure they top the group, potentially allowing Deschamps to rest key players against Azerbaijan and provide opportunities for those who have had limited playtime.

In the near term, Deschamps will concentrate on guiding France through the remaining World Cup qualifiers and preparing for the 2026 tournament, which he has confirmed will be his final tenure. Beyond that, he will be “available” and open to club offers, having explicitly ruled out managing another national team. His acknowledgment of contact from the Saudi Pro League suggests a significant move may be on the horizon, potentially offering a lucrative and challenging new chapter in his illustrious career. The coming years will illuminate where one of football’s most successful managers will choose to embark on his next adventure.