Zinedine Zidane has shown no desire to coach France’s national team after leaving Real Madrid and Didier Deschamps will continue until at least 2020, according to French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet.
Zidane quit his post at Madrid in late May after guiding the club to a third successive Champions League title, sparking rumours linking him with the national team.
That reportedly left Deschamps’ position prior to France’s successful World Cup campaign somewhat insecure, with many fans and pundits adamant he was not the right man to get the best out of the exciting, youthful team.
Deschamps’ pragmatism was the problem according to some, though that very approach was arguably vital to France winning the World Cup.
And Le Graet is certain both he and Deschamps will be staying put in their current roles until 2020.
“Sometimes you need a little luck, but the work done by Didier is considerable. For the first match [of Euro 2020], he will be there.”
And, as for the rumours linking Zidane with the role should Deschamps opt to leave, Le Graet was unconvinced.
“There has been no will on his part, manifested by him, to train the national team,” Le Graet added. “We have not thought about it. Didier is in place until 2020. Me too, [then] we’ll see.”
French football star Karim Benzema who enjoyed three seasons with Zidane at Madrid urged his countryman to take the job last month.
“I did not have the pleasure of playing with you brother but I had the immense honour to have you as a coach so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have given me and brought me,” said Benzema on Twitter.
“Good luck with whatever comes next for you and yours, and maybe I’ll see you soon, God-willing.”
Zidane had a stellar playing Career and won the World Cup with France in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. He also won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002, scoring what is regarded as the best goal in the Champions League era, it was also the winning goal.
His announcement to leave the Real Madrid shortly after winning the third consecutive UCL title attracted tributes from all over the World.
“I have taken the decision to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach,” the Frenchman told a hastily convened press conference, before adding he was not looking for another club to coach.
“This club deserves to continue to win and needs a change” he said, adding that he believed the “moment has come.”
“After three years the club needs another discourse, another method of working,” he added
“I don’t see myself continuing to win this year and I am a winner, I don’t like to lose,” added Zidane, who was under contract with Real until 2020.
“I have thought a lot about this decision and I can’t go back on it.”
Whether he takes up another job in football remains to be seen.