The World of French Football: Unpacking Deschamps' Squad Decision

As the 2018 World Cup approached, French football fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering who would be in charge of the team. The departure of Laurent Blanc left a power vacuum, and the national team was in need of a new leader. Enter Didier Deschamps, a former player and coach who had been waiting in the wings. With his wealth of experience and tactical acumen, Deschamps was the perfect candidate to lead the French squad to victory. But how did he weigh up the options for the team? In this article, we'll delve into the world of French football and explore the key factors that influenced Deschamps' decisions.

The French national team had undergone significant changes in the years leading up to the World Cup. The 2014 team, which included stars like Franck Ribéry, Mathieu Debuchy, and Laurent Koscielny, had been beset by injuries and inconsistencies. Despite this, they managed to reach the semifinals, where they were ultimately defeated by Germany. However, the team's performance raised questions about its long-term prospects. Could Deschamps, with his no-nonsense approach and emphasis on discipline, restore French football to its former glory?

Factors Influencing Deschamps' Decisions

When evaluating options for the French squad, Deschamps would have considered a range of factors. Here are some of the key considerations:

• Experience and Credentials: Deschamps' extensive experience as a player and coach made him an attractive candidate. He had played for clubs like Marseille and Juventus, and had coached clubs like Auxerre and Marseille. His knowledge of the game and his ability to connect with players were unparalleled.
• Tactical Acumen: Deschamps is known for his tactical prowess, and his appointment was seen as a positive move for French football. He brought a wealth of experience in different formations and strategies, which would have been essential in navigating the complexities of the World Cup.
• Player Relationships: Deschamps' relationships with players were also a crucial factor. He had built strong bonds with many of France's top players, including Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann. His ability to motivate and inspire players would have been invaluable in the lead-up to the World Cup.

The Team's Needs

When considering the French squad, Deschamps would have also taken into account the team's specific needs. Here are some of the key areas he would have focused on:

• Injury Prevention: France had a history of injuries in major tournaments, and Deschamps would have needed to prioritize the team's fitness and injury prevention. He would have focused on building a strong team culture and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of fitness throughout the tournament.
• Defensive Solidity: France's defense had been a concern in the past, and Deschamps would have needed to address this issue. He would have worked on strengthening the team's defensive line and developing a cohesive defensive strategy.
• Midfield Creativity: France's midfield had been criticized for its lack of creativity and flair. Deschamps would have looked to bring in players who could provide a spark and inject life into the team's attack.

The Role of Other Coaches

While Deschamps was the main man in charge of the French squad, he would have also sought input from other coaches and experts. Here are some of the key figures who would have played a role in his decision-making process:

• Les Bleus' Former Coach Laurent Blanc: Blanc's departure had left a power vacuum, and Deschamps would have sought advice from his predecessor. Blanc's experience and knowledge of the game would have been invaluable in shaping Deschamps' vision for the team.
• FIFA Ambassador Alain Giresse: Giresse, a former French international, had served as a FIFA ambassador and had worked closely with Deschamps in the past. His expertise and network of contacts would have been an asset in helping Deschamps assemble the team.
• French Football Federation Staff: The French Football Federation's staff, including those responsible for scouting and recruitment, would have also played a role in Deschamps' decision-making process. They would have provided valuable insights and recommendations on player selection and team development.

The Squad List

With the above factors and considerations in mind, Deschamps would have assembled a squad list that would have met his high standards. Here are some of the key players he would have included:

• Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Steve Mandanda
• Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Samuel Umtiti, and Matthieu Debuchy
• Midfielders: Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kanté, Antoine Griezmann, and Dimitri Payet
• Forwards: Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud

Tactics and Formation

When it came to tactics and formation, Deschamps would have been drawn to the 4-3-3 formation. This system allowed for flexibility and creativity, and would have given France the ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. Here are some of the key tactics and strategies he would have employed:

• Possession-based football: Deschamps would have emphasized the importance of maintaining possession and wearing down opponents through sustained pressure.
• Counter-attacking: France would have looked to catch opponents off guard with swift counter-attacks, using their pace and agility to exploit weaknesses.
• Set pieces: Deschamps would have focused on developing a strong set piece strategy, with an emphasis on delivering quality crosses and creating scoring opportunities from corners and free kicks.

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