Deschamps to stay on as France coach, Mbappé admits he played poorly

Didier Deschamps is set to remain as national team coach despite France's semi-final exit at Euro 2024 and significant criticism of their performance during the tournament.

"I see no reason to question his contract," French federation boss Philippe Diallo told the L’Équipe newspaper on Wednesday. Deschamps has a contract until 2026, which Diallo said must be respected.

He believes Deschamps led the team through the tournament in the best possible way and achieved their sporting goal. France reached the semi-finals but were defeated 2-1 by title favourites Spain on Tuesday.

Deschamps has been coaching Les Bleus for 12 years, winning the World Cup in 2018. However, at Euro 2024, his team was heavily criticized for an uninspired style of play.

"Even if there might be frustration today because we did not reach the final, one must gain the necessary perspective to see that the performances of the French team are still exceptional," added Diallo.

Mbappé admits he played poorly at Euro 2024

France striker Kylian Mbappé was finally able to shed the mask but acknowledged he had endured a difficult Euros after the defeat by Spain.

France scored their first goal by one of their players in open play at the tournament to take the lead, Mbappé's smart cross being headed in by Randal Kolo Muani.

But Spain quickly hit back in the first half through Dani Olmo and a stunning strike from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

"I had the ambition to become European champion. I had the ambition to play a good Euros. I achieved neither one nor the other," captain Mbappé told reporters.

He played better without the mask against Spain, which he has worn since breaking his nose in the opening group game against Austria, but it still was not enough to help France over the line.

French pundits had urged him to ditch the mask, saying that a slight disfigurement of his nose and some pain should not matter.

The 25-year-old agreed and said: "I couldn't see well with it. I spoke to the doctor and he told me to make a decision like a man. I don't regret it."

The new Real Madrid forward will now take a holiday before starting his adventure at the Bernabeu.

Deschamps shows support for Mbappé

Coach Deschamps defended Mbappé and fellow struggling star Antoine Griezmann.

"I will not lay the blame on those two. Kylian had maybe some problems but we are not looking for excuses. He felt much better without the mask," the coach said.

Deschamps also hailed 37-year-old Olivier Giroud, the country's all-time top scorer, who is now retiring from internationals.

"Bravo and merci for everything he has achieved," Deschamps said.