Didier Deschamps and the art of forging unity at major tournaments | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has spent the equivalent of nine and a half months with the Bleus in major finals, the environment where his management and collective strength are most apparent.

Now in the United States for his seventh finals as France coach, spanning World Cups 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 and Euros 2016, 2021 and 2024, he counts 280 days in tournament camps and roughly 900 overall.

Hugo Lloris calls him a competitor who lifts detail as the level rises, leading without forcing and adjusting with feel for individuals. Adrien Rabiot says he unites everyone, even those who play little, making work professional yet playful over a long stretch.

"The magic word is adaptation," he told the Guardian. He has also eased rules on phones and even grenadine syrup in water.

Lloris says Deschamps renews himself without losing core convictions, with consistent matchday routines on the football side and social codes updated, under a simple pact of give and give back.

The squad spent 55 days together in 2018 and 54 at Euro 2016, and this World Cup is at the dawn of day 18. Lloris sees Euro 2021 as the main misfire, though France won their group amid Covid isolation and no base camp, before a 3-3, 4-5 penalties exit to Switzerland.

Source: L'Équipe