Open all the debates that you want, but I think that the players

In the realm of leadership and decision-making, there is a sacred bond of trust between the leader and those entrusted with the task at hand. Didier Deschamps, the great football tactician and captain, speaks from this place of trust when he declares, "Open all the debates that you want, but I think that the players that I select, and in whom I have total confidence, deserve a minimum amount of respect." These words resonate with the ancient wisdom of leadership, reminding us that when a leader places their trust in others, they must not only be given the space to lead but also be treated with the respect their position and choices deserve.

In ancient Greece, leadership was not defined solely by authority, but by the ability to make decisions for the greater good. Alexander the Great, one of history’s most legendary conquerors, surrounded himself with soldiers and generals who were chosen not by favoritism but by merit. His trust in them was absolute, and the respect between him and his army was mutual. Alexander demanded that his soldiers respect his decisions, and in turn, he led them into battle with unwavering confidence. This dynamic is what Deschamps echoes in his own philosophy: a leader must command respect for their choices, especially when those choices are made with the belief that they are in the best interest of the collective.

Deschamps’ quote reveals a deeper understanding of leadership—one that does not rely solely on debate or the opinions of others, but on a bond of trust that is formed between the leader and those they choose to follow. In the world of sport, where each player has a distinct role to play, the trust between the coach and player is paramount. A coach may face the scrutiny of the public, the media, and even their own players, but it is the respect for the leader’s decision that fosters unity and focus within the team. Just as a king or ruler must have faith in the counsel of those they appoint, a coach must trust in the abilities of those they choose to take the field.

Respect for decisions is not a mere formality but the foundation of unity. In ancient Rome, the great general Julius Caesar was not only a master of warfare but also a master of fostering respect among his men. When he made a decision, whether it was a strategic move on the battlefield or a political choice in the Senate, he expected his soldiers to follow his lead without hesitation. His respect for their loyalty and their abilities, in return, ensured that his army was fiercely united. In times of conflict, such trust and respect are what turn individuals into a cohesive force, capable of achieving the impossible.

Deschamps, like Caesar and Alexander before him, understands the importance of this mutual respect in leadership. When a leader selects individuals, it is not simply a matter of preference, but a judgment based on the potential to fulfill a role. The players Deschamps speaks of are not just figures in a game, but are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward the leader’s vision. Just as in the ancient myths, where heroes were often chosen by gods for their unique talents and virtues, Deschamps' players are selected because he believes in their strength, their skill, and their capacity to contribute to a greater cause.

The lesson for us all lies in understanding the nature of trust and respect in leadership. When we are entrusted with a task, whether in the arena of sport, work, or life, we must earn the respect of our leaders and fellow individuals. At the same time, those in positions of leadership must honor the responsibility they bear. In every choice they make, they should consider the value of respect and the power it holds to unite or divide.

Let us take heed of Deschamps’ wisdom: whether in the realm of sports, business, or family, when we are given a role or placed in a position of trust, we must remember that respect is the foundation on which all success is built. We must not only trust in the decisions of those who lead us but also give them the respect their choices deserve. And to those who lead, let this be a reminder that with trust comes great responsibility: to choose wisely, to act with integrity, and to ensure that the respect between leader and follower is never lost. Through this bond of respect, we shall find the strength to achieve greatness together.