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March 20, 2019

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Deschamps eyes 2022 WCup

France’s World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps has said he would like to remain in his job until the 2022 finals in Qatar.

The 50-year-old Deschamps, who took charge of France in 2012, guided Les Bleus to a second World Cup title in Russia, two decades after lifting the trophy as captain on home soil.

“For me to be able to carry on until the next World Cup is obviously something I would not be unhappy about, but we’ll see,” Deschamps said yesterday.

“I have a very good relationship with (FFF) president (Noel Le Graet). I’m under contract until the European Championships, which is the only certainty right now.”

Deschamps’ deal runs until June 2020, but the former France and Juventus midfielder admitted any extension would depend on the performance of his team. “It’s linked to results. But before thinking about 2022, first come the qualifiers (for Euro 2020).”

Deschamps said the thought of quitting amid the euphoria of July’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the World Cup final in Moscow had never crossed his mind, insisting there was more to be achieved. “Quite simply because I feel really good,” he said. “I still have the same passion, the same desire and because I’m convinced there are still great things to be done with this squad.”

Asked if he could see himself emulating the longevity of Germany coach Joachim Loew, who has held the post since 2006, Deschamps replied: “He’s a good example. It goes to show continuity at the top level is not all that bad.”

“He (Loew) took the team to steer it to the World Cup title in 2014. Lately, and on the back of the last World Cup, it’s been difficult for him,” continued Deschamps, referring to Germany’s shock elimination in the group stage in Russia.

“He was (considered) the best five years ago, and today he’s not become the worst, far from it. He’s someone who has proved a lot and I’m happy he’s remained in charge of Germany.”

Meanwhile, Germany’s young national team needs to feel it has the complete trust of its manager to get the job done when it faces Serbia in a friendly international today before travelling to the Netherlands for its first Euro 2020 qualifier next week.

Loew has unexpectedly dropped world champions Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller, opting to rejuvenate his squad after its first-round exit in Russia and its shock Nations League relegation. “We are now facing a new time, a new challenge. I have to give the team the feeling that we fully trust them,” Loew told a news conference yesterday.

“We have to give them the chance to develop, take over more responsibilities and also during a rough patch offer them solutions when they make mistakes so they have the trust to go into the next months.”

Eight of his 23-man squad are still eligible for national youth teams, including 19-year-old Kai Havertz, Loew said.




 

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