Deschamps says 'stifling' atmosphere led to decision to step down as France coach

Departing France coach Didier Deschamps decided to end his 14-year spell in the role because of a "stifling atmosphere" around him, he said on Saturday, following Les Bleus' 6-4 loss to England in the third-place match at the World Cup.

Deschamps announced last year that he would leave when his contract expired after the tournament, with former Real Madrid and France midfielder Zinedine Zidane expected to take over.

"I decided that it had to stop. And if I made that decision, it wasn’t for my own sake – I’m telling you this in all honesty – it was for the good of the French team", he told M6. "Because the atmosphere around me had become so stifling. The French national team doesn’t deserve that."

Deschamps was sometimes criticised for favouring balance, discipline and efficiency over spectacle, even when blessed with some of the most gifted attacking players in world football.

"Ever since the announcement, things have been much better for the French team," he added.