Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been backed to become the next manager of the France national team.
Zidane has been without a job ever since he left his role as Real Madrid manager in May 2021 but the Frenchman has been linked with various jobs. He was touted as a candidate when the French football federation (FFF) reappointed Deschamps after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Just over two years on, Zidane remains a contender. Current France manager Didier Deschamps has now backed Zidane to replace him.
France coach Didier Deschamps. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“There is a lot of respect between us,” said Deschamps who was Zidane’s skipper in the France teams that claimed the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European championships.
“Zizou [Zidane] is a very good candidate, a natural and an expected one,” Deschamps told L’Équipe. “But then again, I don’t know if he will want it.”
However, Zidane’s appointment will depend on the FFF. Philippe Diallo, who replaced Noël Le Graët in January 2023, has promised to make the outfit more transparent and diverse.
Deschamps, 55, announced last month that he wanted to quit after the 2026 World Cup.
“I am not tired or worn out,” Deschamps said. “But I feel that I have done my time. The French team is a very good thing, because it represents 25 years of my professional life when I combine my two lives
“But all good things must come to an end.”
“There are plenty of possibilities,” said Deschamps of a return to club management in France or internationally. “I will decide based on what is offered to me.”
Before becoming France boss, Deschamps steered the Ligue 1 club Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final and he led Marseille to the French domestic title in 2010 – their last success in the top flight before Paris Saint-Germain’s domination.
