Didier Deschamps Takes Leave After Mother’s Passing

France coach Didier Deschamps leaves World Cup camp after his mother’s death, with assistant Guy Stephan stepping in ahead of their final group match.

Didier Deschamps has momentarily left France’s World Cup camp as he returns home following the death of his mother. The news broke early Tuesday morning, prompting the head coach to take compassionate leave, a decision made in full agreement with the Federation Francaise de Football.

With France already qualified for the knockout stage, Deschamps will miss the final group-stage match against Norway, set for Friday at MetLife Stadium. His absence extends to the upcoming training sessions leading up to this match.

A former World Cup winner both as a player and coach, Deschamps has managed the national team for 14 years, earning the unconditional trust and respect of the FFF. In his absence, long-time assistant Guy Stephan will take over responsibilities.

The FFF released a statement saying, “The national team coach was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of his mother.” Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, will be present at the training camp during this difficult time.

France is currently one of the favorites in the World Cup, having accumulated six points from victories over Senegal and Iraq. They have thus secured a position in the knockout rounds.

Deschamps, one of the longest-serving managers in international football, has led the team to considerable successes, including winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final in the previous tournament four years ago in Qatar. This World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is set to be his last as head coach, following his announcement to step down in August last year.

Stephan has been Deschamps’ right-hand man for 17 years, spending the first three years together at Marseille and the last 14 years with the national team. Their bond dates back even further to 2000 when they celebrated victory together in the European Championship, with Deschamps as the French captain and Stephan as his assistant.

This enduring partnership has proved fruitful, evidenced by five league titles at Marseille and three major finals with France, which included their triumph in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Now, with Deschamps taking a step back to mourn, the national team rallies under Stephan’s guidance.