Deschamps: 'Human Touch' Key to Managing France's Stars

Didier Deschamps, the highly decorated coach of the French national football team, is preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup in the USA. With four days remaining before "Les Bleus" depart, Deschamps shared his insights on leadership and team management from the French Football Federation's Clairefontaine facility.

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If I have to put a word on my style, it is 'adaptation.' There are those who see things in a certain way and want the team to do this or that. I do not criticize that, it can work. But I do the opposite; I adapt to the people I have available.

Deschamps, who captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and coached them to wins in 2018 and a final in 2016 and 2022, attributes his success to "adaptation." He explains that instead of imposing a rigid system, he adjusts his approach based on the players at his disposal. This flexibility allows him to effectively manage the diverse personalities and needs within the squad.

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A lot is about how you handle the group. I'm not saying it's what makes you win, but it can really make you lose. Now we have 26 players, more than before, and it takes a lot of time to take care of the group. Not least with the younger generation who need to talk more, who need more... I won't say 'tenderness,' but...

A key aspect of Deschamps' philosophy is the "human touch" required to manage a modern squad of 26 players. He notes that today's younger generation of players requires more communication and individual attention than in his own playing days, where the approach was often simply "you play, you don't play." Deschamps dedicates significant time to conversing with his players to ensure no one feels disconnected from the team, especially during long tournaments where players are away from their families for extended periods.

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In my time, it was like 'you play, you don't play.' You didn't ask questions. You got ten minutes, five minutes of playing time, or no playing time. Sometimes you just trained. Today, I spend a lot of time talking to the guys, because the goal for me and my staff is not to 'lose' any of the 26 players.

Clairefontaine, the training ground for French national teams, also serves as a talent academy. Many national team players, including a significant number with dual nationality who play for other nations, have honed their skills there. France's attacking lineup for the World Cup is described as "ridiculously strong," highlighting the depth of talent Deschamps has at his disposal. His ability to foster a cohesive environment, managing both star players and emerging talents, is central to France's continued success on the international stage.

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It takes a lot of human touch to manage these big players too.