Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national football team, decided to end his 14-year tenure as coach of 'the Roosters', attributing his decision to what he described as the 'suffocating atmosphere' that surrounded him after the 6-4 loss to England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match. Deschamps said in press remarks to M6 television on Sunday: 'I felt that it was time to stop, and when I made this decision, it was not for my personal interest, I say that in all sincerity, but for the interest of the French national team. The atmosphere surrounding me became very suffocating, and the French national team does not deserve that.' The French coach added: 'Since the announcement of this decision, the situation has become much better for the French national team.' Deschamps was repeatedly criticized for adopting an approach based on balance, discipline, and efficiency, rather than focusing on entertaining performance, despite having, over the years, some of the most prominent attacking talents in world football. Deschamps had already revealed last year his intention to leave his post when his contract ends after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps, who took charge of the French national team in 2012, remains etched in French memory as the coach who led their team to its second world title in 2018, 20 years after leading 'the Blues' as captain on the green pitch to win their first title on home soil in the 1998 World Cup. Deschamps also led France to win the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, and reached the finals of the 2016 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup.