Blues, Deschamps under pressure from Turkey despite the crisis

In the corridors of the 20 August Stadium in Istanbul, journalists still hear the name Didier Deschamps, former coach of the French national team, mentioned as a possible saviour of a Turkey in turmoil. After fourteen years at the helm of the France team, concluded at the 2026 World Cup, the French coach generates a lot of interest.

Rumours revived by the debacle

Already approached last summer by the Turkish Football Federation, Deschamps had turned down the offer, wishing to take a period of rest before diving back in. The results crisis endured by the “Ay‑Yıldızlılar” has reignited the rumor mill, with Turkish media mentioning his name again.

Failures under Montella

Under the guidance of Vincenzo Montella, Turkey recorded four consecutive defeats in the Nations League, losing to Italy, Belgium and France under Zinedine Zidane. This negative spiral cost the Italian coach his job.

If the Arda Turan option was at one time considered, Shakhtar Donetsk's refusal to release their coach without financial compensation pushed the federation to explore other avenues.

Turkish crisis revives rumors about Didier Deschamps

Candidates in the running

The NTV channel reports that the list of contenders has narrowed down to four names: three local figures and the French coach. Among the national candidates are Şenol Güneş, a monument of Turkish football, Abdullah Avcı, a recognized tactician, and Fatih Tekke, a dynamic former international.

Turkish supporters, not keen on the idea of a French coach, fear the language barrier, the lack of knowledge of Turkish football culture, and the cost of a foreign coach.

Deschamps' résumé — winner of the 2018 World Cup and finalist in 2022 — commands respect, but the prospect of seeing him on the Turkish bench remains highly unlikely. He says he is willing to wait until next summer, only returning before the end of the year for a prestigious role or an irresistible financial offer.