France
Huge hint dropped regarding Zinedine Zidane’s next team
The president of the French Football Federation has revealed ‘Zizou’ could take over should Deschamps leave.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), appeared as a guest on RMC Sport’s “After-Foot” program ahead of the upcoming elections on December 11. During the interview, Diallo confirmed that Didier Deschamps would remain as coach if he is elected. However, he hinted at the possibility of Zinedine Zidane taking over in the future, as Zidane continues to express his desire to lead the World Cup runners-up.
“I took office in January 2023 with Didier Deschamps, who had just renewed his contract for four years. I respect that contract, as he has met the objectives set by the FFF. Would breaking his contract be costly? Of course, that’s a factor. But more importantly, I asked Didier to reach the semi-finals of the Euros, and he has delivered,” Diallo said regarding the potential dismissal of Deschamps.
Zidane’s name remains a popular topic in France as a potential successor after the 2026 World Cup, when Deschamps’ contract expires. “Do people talk to me about Zidane? I’d be lying if I said no. I hear it all the time—on the pitch, from the public, and even from you. I’m not oblivious,” added Diallo. Back in 2023, Zidane was poised to take charge of the national team after the World Cup, but then-president Noël Le Graët unilaterally extended Deschamps’ contract.
‘If Mbappé had been performing, we might have won the Euros'
Diallo also addressed concerns surrounding Kylian Mbappé, whose recent performances have drawn criticism in France. The forward missed another crucial penalty on Wednesday against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, raising questions about his form that forced Ancelotti into a tight spot. His two consecutive absences from the French national team have only added to the scrutiny.
“Kylian Mbappé is one of the best players in the world, but he’s currently going through a rough patch, and everyone can see it. Compared to the standards he set at the start of his career, his current form is below expectations. That impacts the French national team. I believe that if Mbappé had been performing at his usual level, we might have won the Euros in Germany—but that wasn’t the case,” Diallo said.
On the discussions between Deschamps and Mbappé, which led to the player’s recent absences, Diallo remarked: “I haven’t spoken to him directly in recent weeks because there have been extensive exchanges between him and Didier Deschamps, who even traveled to Madrid to meet with him.
“I’ve been kept informed of their conversations and of Didier’s decisions regarding player selection. He always acts in the best interest of both the player and the team.”
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