two favorites are already emerging for the post-Deschamps era

In July 2012, Didier Deschamps became the new coach of the France team. The former AS Monaco and OM coach signed a two-year contract at the time. But his work at the head of the Tricolores was quickly praised and he was extended numerous times, thus holding a record for longevity in his position in France. After years of good and loyal service, DD decided to say stop as he explained this Wednesday to LCI et TF1. “I have been here since 2012. I am scheduled until 2026, the next World Cup, but it will stop there because it has to at some point. In my head, it’s very clear.”

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Zidane, do you like them?

Then he explained his choice: “I served my time with the same desire, the same passion to maintain the French team at the highest level. We never want it to end when it’s a beautiful thing. Afterwards, you have to know how to say stop. There is life after. I don’t know what it will be but it will be very good too.” There will also be life after Deschamps for the Blues. The French Football Federation will have a year and a half to prepare the succession of DD. Asked by The Team on the subject, Philippe Diallo was clear. He's not thinking about that yet.

“I’ll see. I want Didier to work in peace. We have important deadlines”he admitted. Despite everything, one name is already on everyone's lips regarding the position of coach. He has even been for years. That of Zinedine Zidane (52 years old). Since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, the French technician has been regularly linked to the Blues. He has made no secret of it: this position interests him. “With the Blues, it’s not over. I want to, of course. I will be, I hope, one day. When ? It doesn't depend on me. But I want to come full circle with the French team. I knew this French team as a player. And it’s the most beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me!”

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Henry an outsider

With the upcoming departure of DD, the Zizou option is more possible than ever. Free, the former midfielder dreams of leading France. Only a return to Real Madrid could possibly divert him from his path. But nothing has been done yet. Philippe Diallo said about him: “he is one of the monuments of French football and world football. It was he who contributed to this first star on our jersey. I have a lot of respect and admiration for one of the greatest players in the history of football. I saw that he had very high quality results with Real Madrid. He has already won the most beautiful trophy, the Champions League, several times. So he also demonstrated the extent of his talent there.”

Apart from Zidane, the name of Thierry Henry (47 years old) is put forward by several media, including The Team. The former striker proved himself with the Espoirs and the French U23 team, which he led to the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A selection with which he won a nice silver medal. But his surprise departure could work against him since the FFF was counting on him. Despite everything, Henry, who is free, remains a candidate to succeed Deschamps. Then, there are not necessarily many people who stand out among the French technicians. And we can't imagine the French Football Federation banking on a foreign coach, as England was able to do recently with Thomas Tuchel. A priori, we are therefore heading towards a duel between Zidane and Henry.