• France crashed out of Euro 2024
• Succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Spain
• Deschamps' role under scrutiny

WHAT HAPPENED?

The France national team manager is under pressure to relinquish his role following Les Bleus' semi-final defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 by a 2-1 scoreline on Tuesday night. Although Randal Kolo Muani gave the 2018 World Cup winners an early lead, La Roja mounted a spirited comeback to get their nose in front with two quick goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Deschamps, who is contracted to stay with the team until 2026, appeared both frustrated and defiant when questioned about his future after the loss, and insisted that he had fulfilled the objectives set by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo.

"You are formidable... Ask my president," he told reporters. "There I have just lost a semi-final... I respect you, also respect the people who have responsibilities. You know the situation very well and what my president thinks."

WHAT DANIEL RIOLO SAID

The defeat to Spain has intensified calls for a new direction for Les Bleus. Daniel Riolo, a French journalist, did not mince words on RMC Sport's After Foot show, urging Deschamps to move on after 12 years at the helm.

"He’s hanging on, he’s staying. Maybe right now, asking him if he’s leaving could upset him, but the question will come up tomorrow, or whenever he wants," he said. "But the guy has been there for 12 years and he really doesn’t want to hear the question... stop. That’s enough. Go away. Go play padel in peace in Monaco, in the sun. Move on."

CALLS FOR ZIDANE TO TAKE OVER GROW LOUDER

Riolo also suggested that the persistent calls for Zidane to take over as the national team coach make Deschamps uncomfortable.

“He really doesn’t want Zidane to take the French team because he knows that everyone wants that," he said.

"He is against that idea. It hurts him so much that Zidane is expected to be a saviour, while he who won a World Cup and who has just played a semi-final at the Euro, we want him to leave. Psychologically, this man is affected. Affected by the fact that since the beginning of his career, he hasn't been the beautiful guy in the story. He is the ugly guy in the story. And he takes it very badly. It's been a scar since he was 20 when Michel Platini said of him that he was a water carrier when he started in the French team.

"He is having a hard time with the fact that he does not have the recognition that matches his record. It is a scar. He wants to be loved and he sees that people do not love him completely. He will always be in the shadow of Zidane and Platini, and he is having a hard time with that."

WHAT NEXT?

Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, remains a free agent and has turned down several coaching opportunities over the years as he reportedly waits for his turn to lead the French national team. While Deschamps’ legacy is undeniable, the growing chorus for change suggests that a new era may be on the horizon for Les Bleus, potentially under the guidance of Zidane. However, with his contract running until 2026 and his reluctance to step down even after failing to inspire France to the European Championship title, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.