President of the French Football Federation (FFF) Philippe Diallo has closed the door for Zinédine Zidane to become France manager until at least 2026.
Speaking in an interview with Le Figaro, Diallo has ensured that regardless of Les Bleus’ performance in the Euros in Germany later this year, Deschamps’ job is secure. Former Olympique de Marseille manager Deschamps signed a contract renewal in the wake of France’s Qatar World Cup final defeat to Argentina. That renewal, which runs until 2026, was signed by Noël Le Graët, who left his role as FFF president soon after.
However, his departure has not compromised Deschamps’ authority, nor his security in his position as manager of the national team. Zidane has long since sought Deschamps’ role and around the time of Deschamps’ renewal there was talk of his arrival. However, Diallo has shut the door… at least for now.
“ZInédine Zidane is one of the monuments of French football, that’s the first thing, which is to show gratitude and gratefulness for everything that he has brought to the French people. But then there is the other thing, which is that we have the best manager in French football in place until 2026. That’s all that needs to be said,” said Diallo. Out of a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane will have to find another way back into management it seems.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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