FRANCE: WHICH COACH FOR THE BLUES WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THEMSELVES?

The French national football team has faced challenges finding a coach to lead them to success since Aimé Jacquet’s exploits in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Jacquet, initially named on a “provisional basis,” achieved remarkable success, including qualification for Euro 1996 and ultimately winning the 1998 World Cup. However, his conservative playing style faced criticism from the media.

Roger Lemerre took over, guiding the team to victory in Euro 2000, showcasing the strength of Jacquet’s legacy. However, the team’s performance declined in the 2002 World Cup, failing to progress beyond the group stage. Lemerre was swiftly dismissed.

Jacques Santini’s tenure saw a decline in the team’s performance, highlighted by his departure to coach Tottenham. Raymond Domenech succeeded him but faced challenges, including public disputes with players, culminating in a tumultuous 2010 World Cup campaign.

Laurent Blanc took over in 2010, but his stint ended after Euro 2012, where France was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Didier Deschamps assumed the coaching role and remains in charge.

The article suggests Zinédine Zidane as a potential future coach, but emphasizes that, as of now, Didier Deschamps holds the position. The narrative reflects the challenges and transitions in French football coaching since the era of Aimé Jacquet.