Deschamps will discuss France future in 2023

France coach will hold talks over his future early in the new year after final defeat

• Deschamps has led France to three major finals in his 10 years in charge

• France won the 2018 World

Cup but just failed to defend trophy

• Les Bleus also made final of

EURO 2016 where they lost to

Portugal

Didier Deschamps said a virus in the France squad may have caused their woeful start to the World Cup final, although he refused to use it as an excuse as he confirmed he’ll hold talks over his future early in 2023. France failed to become the first team to retain the World Cup since 1962 as Argentina triumphed in a penalty shoot-out following a remarkable 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium.

Before Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick enabled France to force extra time and penalties, Deschamps' side made a slow start, becoming the first team to fail to attempt a shot in the first half of a World Cup final.

France had been without Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano due to illness in their semi-final win over Morocco four days earlier, and several other players reportedly experienced symptoms in the days preceding the final. Asked about the spread of the virus after Sunday's defeat, Deschamps said it played a role in France's lethargic start.

"The whole squad has been facing a tricky situation for a while now, maybe that had a physical and psychological impact," Deschamps said.

"But I had no concerns about the players who started the match. They were 100 per cent fit, but we only had four days since the last match so perhaps there is some tiredness.

"That's not an excuse but we didn't show the same energy as previous matches and for the first hour we weren't in the match. "In those first 70 minutes or so, we were playing a very aggressive and dynamic opponent and we weren't at the same level for a number of reasons.

"We managed to come back from the dead and made a magnificent comeback from a very difficult situation."

Deschamps to discuss France future next year

Deschamps’ contract with France is up, but it is widely expected there will be another deal on offer if he wishes to stay on and target Euro 2024 success. The disappointment of missing out on lifting the World Cup for a second time, four years after triumphing at Russia 2018, will take time to sink in. That is why discussions over Deschamps' future were not a matter, as the team travelled back to Paris.

However, French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet does not want to waste any time, and he is seeking clarity so has promised to call Deschamps at the latest.

Le Graet told French broadcaster BFMTV: "I will call him tomorrow or the day after tomorrow when he has recovered, too. We will see each other as soon as possible, of course." The defeat will likely revive speculation regarding Deschamps' future, with France great Zinedine Zidane having long been touted as a potential successor.

Deschamps, however, will take his time to weigh up whether to extend his 10-year stay with the two-time world champions.

"You're not first to ask. Even if we had won, I would not be able to answer that tonight," Deschamps said at his post-match press conference.

"Of course, I am very sad for the players and staff, but I'll have a meeting with the [French Football Federation] president at the start of next year and then you'll find out."