Departing France coach Didier Deschamps decided to end his 14-year spell in the role ​because of a “stifling atmosphere” around him, ‌he says, following Les Bleus’ 6-4 loss to England at the World ​Cup, Reuters reports.

“I decided that it had to stop. ​And if I made that decision, it wasn’t ​for my own sake – I’m telling you this in all honesty – it was for the good of the ​French team”, he told M6.

“Because the atmosphere ​around me had become so stifling. The French national ‌team ⁠doesn’t deserve that.”

Deschamps announced last year that he would ​leave when his contract expired after the ⁠tournament.

 France coach Didier Deschamp during a pitch walkaround before the France v England match at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, US on July 18, 2026. — Reuters
France coach Didier Deschamp during a pitch walkaround before the France v England match at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, US on July 18, 2026. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Unmasking stability
Updated 20 Jul, 2026

Unmasking stability

THREE reports last Friday — a widening food trade gap, return to a current account deficit, and the government’s...
Flood data gap
20 Jul, 2026

Flood data gap

HAVING endured one of its worst floods last year — triggered by intense monsoons and compounded by sudden water...
Zero-dose alert
20 Jul, 2026

Zero-dose alert

ALTHOUGH Pakistan recently announced its first National Vaccine Policy, it will take time before the immunity gap ...
Gulf escalation
Updated 19 Jul, 2026

Gulf escalation

The threat of the war restarting and the conflict expanding is very real.
Looming monsoon
19 Jul, 2026

Looming monsoon

THE monsoon season is here. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide alert for widespread,...
Closing one file
19 Jul, 2026

Closing one file

ABDUL Rashid Wani was stopped by Indian soldiers near his home in Srinagar in July 1997. He never returned. Nearly...