Zinedine Zidane is reportedly making plans for his staff, with the expectation that he will succeed Didier Deschamps as manager of the French national team. Fédération Française de Football president Philippe Diallo has suggested he knows who will replace Deschamps, whose departure is expected after the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane’s Potential Backroom Staff
Zidane, who has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is expected to bring David Bettoni and Hamidou Msaidie with him. Bettoni has managed FC Sion in Switzerland and Club Africain in Tunisia. Msaidie has not held a position since leaving Real Madrid. He has also launched a podcast with Zidane and Bettoni, discussing their time in Spain.
Zidane is looking for “loyal guys” to form his staff. Some former France 1998 players could be included. According to one source, Zidane wants people “who do the job and will not leak anything to the press”. Alain Boghossian is a name often mentioned.
Boghossian, a former France international, was assistant coach under Raymond Domenech and Laurent Blanc from 2008 to 2012. He is currently a consultant for RTL and M6. He has maintained a strong relationship with Zidane.
Advice from Henri Emile
Zidane has reportedly been in regular contact with Henri Emile, a former member of the French national team’s staff between 1976 and 2008. Emile has been offering advice to Zidane. However, Emile, who is approaching 84, is not looking to become further involved.
“We are very close to each other. We have not spoken about what happens next,” Emile said. He added: “He has wanted this for a long time. When we talk, it is mainly about mutual trust. It’s mostly friendly.”
Emile stated that Zidane had already offered to replace Laurent Blanc during Blanc’s tenure. According to Emile, “When he came back to play with Domenech, I am the only one he called. There is total trust between us. Regarding the future, I am not trying to find out any information.”
Looking Ahead
Zidane’s assistants are expected to be David Bettoni and Hamidou Msaidie.