Zidane set to become France's next manager after the World Cup | OneFootball

The Federation president confirmed that Deschamps’ replacement has already been decided and avoided naming him, although in France they say it is Zidane.

Zinedine Zidane’s possible arrival as head coach of the French national team is beginning to take shape. Although there is no official confirmation, statements from French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo marked progress in the negotiations.

In an interview with Le Figaro, Diallo said he already knows who will replace Didier Deschamps, who will leave the position after the 2026 World Cup.

“Yes, I know his name”, he stated. Asked directly about Zidane, he avoided confirming it, but offered a suggestive response: “I invite you to come back after the World Cup”.

Until now, the Federation president had kept the matter under wraps so as not to interfere with the current cycle. However, his remarks match reports in the French press claiming that negotiations with Zidane are at an advanced stage.

Diallo also outlined the profile they are looking for: “The French national team cannot be left in just anyone’s hands”, he said, stressing the need for a coach with backing and broad support. One of the points under negotiation was the makeup of the coaching staff, which Zidane wants to expand compared with the current one.

With Deschamps focused on the World Cup and no continuation guaranteed, everything indicates that France has already defined its next era and that Zidane is getting closer and closer to taking over.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.