Zidane, likely next France boss, considering Fabien Barthez for goalkeeper coach | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane, regarded as the likely next France manager, is shaping plans for a new backroom team and is considering Fabien Barthez for goalkeeper coach, which could mean replacing long-serving Franck Raviot.

According to L'Équipe, Zidane worked from his New York hotel during a trip to the United States for son Luca’s Algeria debut, liaising with adviser Alain Migliaccio as the FFF targets a swift post-World Cup announcement. FFF president Philippe Diallo has attended every match, stayed silent on Didier Deschamps’s successor, and kept abreast of staffing talks.

Zidane wants to start from a blank slate, signalling a clean break from the Deschamps era across departments, and he has clear short-term objectives for his staff.

The bold move would reunite him with former team-mate Barthez in place of Raviot, who has worked with the seniors, and previously the Under-21s, for 16 years. The pair have remained close, meeting at France 98 gatherings and recent charity matches, including in Marseille at L’Universe League, organised by one of Zidane’s nephews.

They have discussed the idea in recent weeks. Barthez, 54, who was Laurent Blanc’s priority for the role in 2012, would be enthusiastic about joining a gifted group, while talks at the federation remain discreet and there is confidence about finalising the process.

Goalkeeping has evolved with greater emphasis on distribution. Barthez’s elite pedigree, about 600 senior games and 87 caps, and his pioneering comfort with the ball at his feet strengthen his case. He has advised France’s keepers under Raymond Domenech then Laurent Blanc, and worked in 2020-2021 as a consultant with Toulouse’s professionals and academy.

A return to Clairefontaine could place him alongside Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser, Lucas Chevalier and, likely, Ewen Jaouen. If it materialises in the coming weeks, the appointment would be as symbolic as it is practical.

Source: L'Équipe