Former Cameroon head coach Denis Lavagne has shared his thoughts on the current state of the French national team, its manager Didier Deschamps, and the prospect of Zinedine Zidane succeeding him in the future. Speaking to Foot Africa, Lavagne provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges facing Les Bleus and their evolving lineup.
“The French team has not been particularly convincing lately,” Lavagne observed.
“This can be attributed to a generational shift, with experienced players like Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Paul Pogba making way for younger talents.
While the newcomers have plenty of ability, they are still lacking in experience, which is vital at this level.”
Lavagne praised Deschamps for his methodical approach during this transitional phase, emphasizing the importance of patience.
“Didier Deschamps is carefully evaluating the situation before laying the groundwork for a new cycle,” he explained.
“It’s a process that takes time, and we’ll need to wait until 2025 to see the full evolution of the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.”
The discussion naturally turned to Zidane, widely considered a strong contender to lead the national team after Deschamps.
Lavagne expressed confidence in Zidane’s credentials, citing his managerial success with Real Madrid.
“I think Zizou would be an excellent coach for the French team. His record speaks for itself—three Champions League titles with Real Madrid are proof of his capabilities.
If he’s given the opportunity, I hope he can replicate that success with Les Bleus,” Lavagne said.
France’s recent performances have sparked debates about the squad’s ability to maintain its high standards, but Lavagne believes the team’s future remains bright with the right leadership and the development of its emerging talents. Zidane, in his view, embodies the qualities needed to guide the team to further glory.
As the French team continues to rebuild, Lavagne’s insights underscore the importance of balancing experience with youth while maintaining the legacy of a side that has consistently been among the world’s best.
The possibility of Zidane taking the helm only adds to the anticipation surrounding France’s next chapter on the global stage.
Equipe de France : le message fort d’un joueur prometteur à Deschamps #Football #News #OnzeMondial #Mercato https://t.co/E1rqAsw479 pic.twitter.com/PW6G8DVrMk
— GXMercato (@GXmercato) November 30, 2024
