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    Labour Not Done

    Didier Deschamps has said he will step down as France’s national team manager after 14 years in charge, following a disappointing exit from the World Cup. The 14‑year run saw him become the country’s longest‑serving coach, guiding Les Bleus to major international triumphs before the tournament ran out of steam. The announcement came amid news that the Paris‑based club had just wrapped up their World Cup campaign, a run that ended in a significant unfinished finish.[1]

    His departure marks the close of an era that began in 2012, when he took over the reins of a squad that had won the 2010 World Cup. During his stewardship, France seized numerous titles, including the World Cup itself in 2018, cementing Deschamps as a central figure in French football history.[1]

    A 14‑Year Legacy

    Under Deschamps’ leadership, Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup and several other major competitive matches, underscoring his skill at building squads that could perform under pressure. He has remained the team’s manager longer than any other coach in French history, a testament to the trust placed in him by the national federation and its proven results.[1]

    His coaching career is characterised by a blend of tactical adaptability, player management and the ability to sustain performance over a long period – qualities that have earned him respect across the sport’s governing bodies and the fans alike.[1]

    The Aftermath

    With Deschamps’ exit, the French Football Federation faces the challenge of selecting a successor who can maintain the nation’s competitive edge on the international stage. Analysts are keen to see whether the new manager can replicate or even surpass the successes achieved under Deschamps’ tenure.[1]

    In the wake of the 2026 World Cup disappointment, the decision to retire comes at a time when the national team is looking for new direction and fresh ideas that mesh with the next generation of talent.[1]

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    1. Version 1 · — Initial source-grounded generation