Deschamps responds to Rabiot controversy after France lose World Cup semi final | OneFootball

France coach Didier Deschamps hit back at criticism over his World Cup semi-final decisions against Spain, insisting Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot practically asked to be substituted.

Les Bleus were the absolute favourites to lift the trophy in the USA, Canada and Mexico tournament after winning every game, but crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final.

Some of Deschamps’ decisions in that match caused controversy in France, including his choice of Aurelien Tchaouameni rather than Roma’s Manu Kone in the starting XI.

He then substituted Milan midfielder Rabiot at half-time rather than Tchaouameni, with reports in L’Equipe that the decision had frustrated and bemused many in the squad.

Deschamps defends Rabiot decision

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 17: Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, lines up with coaching staff during the National Anthems prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and France at San Siro on November 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Today, speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s third place final against England, Deschamps gave his version of events.

“The relationship I have with Adrien and the others… at the first hydration break, he comes over to me and says: ‘I can’t play my normal game anymore.’

“I was a player, so I understand perfectly well. I was in two different semi-finals with a yellow card hanging over my head, and I remember that feeling.”

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Rabiot was booked in the first half, and ran the genuine risk of a second yellow before he was hauled off at half-time, even though overall his was one of the better performances on the day.

“In midfield, the game is wide open, so the threat can come from anywhere,” continued former Juventus midfielder Deschamps.

“I told him, you can manage it, don’t leave your foot trailing. There was one situation where it was close. I’ve been in those games, I was a shadow of my former self, with this Sword of Damocles hanging over my head.

“So I deprived myself of a player who was in the best form for that match. It was a risk assessment, half-time was a window of opportunity for substitutions.”

Although all yellow cards were wiped clean in the tournament after the quarter-final, a red card would still have meant Rabiot was suspended even if France did reach the World Cup Final.