On Tuesday evening, the French Football Federation announced some very sad news: the passing of the mother of Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national team. Deschamps is leaving the squad’s camp in the United States to return to France for the funeral. He will miss the upcoming training sessions and the match against Norway this Friday—the third game of the World Cup.
Didier Deschamps will be unable to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway-France match. Nor will he be present on the bench this Friday for Les Bleus’ final Group I game (9:00 PM local time).
The national team head coach received the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing this Tuesday morning. He will return to France to attend the funeral.
In agreement with Philippe Diallo—President of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the team’s base camp for the World Cup in the United States—Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant, Guy Stéphan, with the responsibility of leading the squad until his return.
During this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach and his family great strength and assure them of the full support of everyone at the Federation.
We extend our deepest condolences to Didier Deschamps and wish him strength during this incredibly difficult time. The players and staff of Les Bleus can be counted on to support their coach and demonstrate great unity.
