In the late 1800s, French impressionist Claude Monet was at the peak of his output but far from lauded as he is today. His paintings were deemed ugly and unrefined; only decades later were they acclaimed as masterpieces. Over a century on, haughty critics scoff at another subtly artful Frenchman. Despite unprecedented success, Didier Deschamps will also only be truly appreciated when he’s gone.
When Deschamps was appointed as head coach, Les Bleus were only ever between crises. The calamitous 2010 World Cup under eccentric manager Raymond Domenech preceded Laurent Blanc’s bumpy two-year spell. However, since a narrow 2014 World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Germany, Deschamps’ France have made three of four major finals.
Although blessed with talent, French success is down to Deschamps’ astute navigation of the as an influence; his England team may well emerge as France’s leading rivals this summer.
