Didier Deschamps will lead France out for the final time on home soil on Monday when they face Northern Ireland in Lille, marking the end of a 14-year reign as manager. The 57-year-old, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, is set to step down after the upcoming tournament in the United States.
"I can imagine the state of mind of Didier after all this time spent with the French team," midfielder Adrien Rabiot said. "We're all human beings, we have compassion, emotions — everything that comes along with it. The coach has done a great job, and I hope he will be celebrated, because he deserves it."
Fans have already shown their appreciation, holding up cardboard cutouts of Deschamps during Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in Nantes. However, the manager remains focused on the team's send-off rather than his own.
"Since I came into camp, there are lots of things I've done for the last time, so I'm not trying to think about all these things," Deschamps said. "I'm not too sad, I'm not going to be happy about it. What's important is beyond my personal case."
Deschamps, who also led France to the 2022 World Cup final, the Euro 2016 final, and the 2021 Nations League title, will see his team face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in Group I. He hopes for a positive atmosphere before they depart for the finals.
"The tribute was nice, and even though it was during the match, I was trying to focus on the pitch," he added. "These two matches in France before we leave for the US — being close to the supporters and those who cannot travel — we're trying to get as much energy and good vibes as possible."