FFF prepare for potential arrival of Zinédine Zidane, staff already under review | OneFootball

The French Football Federation has begun preparing for the potential appointment of Zinédine Zidane as France head coach, with discussions already covering his prospective staff, according to L'Équipe.

This comes despite president Philippe Diallo signalling he wants to wait until after the team’s 2026 World Cup campaign to name Didier Deschamps’s successor.

In recent weeks Diallo has stressed he will not take a position until the end of Les Bleus’ run. He has expressed admiration and respect for Zidane, while insisting it is one step at a time and the focus remains on preparing for the World Cup.

French football chiefs have held discreet talks with Zidane. Nothing has been signed, yet the governing body appears to have decided to make the 1998 World Cup winner the next head coach.

Recent conversations have extended to staff planning. The FFF site currently lists 19 personnel across medical, administrative, communications and logistics departments.

Deschamps has leaned on four close aides, Guy Stéphan as assistant, Cyril Moine as fitness coach, Franck Raviot as goalkeeping coach, and Raphaël Raymond as press chief. Early negotiations will determine what Zidane wants to change.

David Bettoni, who worked as Zidane’s assistant at Real Madrid in 2016-2018 and 2019-2021, is in line to continue in the same role with France.

Zidane is also understood to want a larger set-up, including a dedicated data unit. Neither his camp nor Diallo confirmed the talks when contacted.

Source: L'Équipe