DistantNews
Support us
Mbappe bids emotional farewell to departing France coach Deschamps
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Sports

Mbappe bids emotional farewell to departing France coach Deschamps

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • French football coach Didier Deschamps reflected on his successful tenure leading the national team, which included a World Cup win in 2018.
  • Kylian Mbappe, the team captain, expressed gratitude to Deschamps for his 14 years of service and significant contributions to the team's resurgence.
  • Deschamps credited his players and his own performance for maintaining the team's high level over the years.

Didier Deschamps, the long-serving French national football team coach, has spoken about his tenure, which saw the team rise from a difficult period in the country's history to win the 2018 World Cup. Deschamps took over in 2012, and under his guidance, France reached at least the semi-finals in five out of seven major tournaments.

We should have sent you off better, but we failed to do so.

— Kylian MbappeExpressing regret that the team could not secure a final victory for Deschamps.

Despite the triumphs, the team also experienced significant setbacks, including losing the 2016 European Championship final and the 2022 World Cup final on penalties. Nevertheless, Deschamps' achievements are considered remarkable. When asked about sustaining the team's high level for so long, the coach remained humble, attributing success to "very good players" and admitting he likely "didn't do too badly" himself.

It is very difficult to evaluate in words what you have given over 14 years; you were so important to the rebirth of this team.

— Kylian MbappeHighlighting Deschamps' significant impact on the French national team.

Team captain Kylian Mbappe delivered an emotional tribute to Deschamps, referring to his departure as "your last dance." Mbappe acknowledged that the team could not give him a better send-off but emphasized Deschamps' immense contribution over 14 years. "It is very difficult to evaluate in words what you have given over 14 years; you were so important to the rebirth of this team," Mbappe stated, adding that history would recognize Deschamps' greatness even if it wasn't always appreciated by contemporaries.

People did not always appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that...

— Kylian MbappeSuggesting that Deschamps' legacy will be recognized over time.

Mbappe expressed his privilege in playing for his country under Deschamps and shared fond memories of their shared journey. He wished Deschamps the best in his "new adventure" and reiterated his thanks for everything the coach brought to the team and the national jersey.

I feel privileged to have been alongside one of our country's greatest legends, I only have wonderful memories of everything we have experienced and achieved together.

— Kylian MbappeReflecting on his positive experiences playing under Deschamps.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog