Le Graet Clarifies Why Zidane Was Never Considered to Replace Deschamps

More than three years following his departure from the French Football Federation in February 2023 amid harassment allegations and tactical missteps, Noël Le Graet has shed light on the decision to retain Didier Deschamps rather than pursue Zinedine Zidane.

In remarks to Ouest France newspaper, Le Graet stated that replacing Deschamps "was never on the table" as a discussion point, primarily because the coach was delivering exceptional performances with the national squad.

"My responsibility was to stand by my coach," Le Graet explained. "Didier expressed his desire to remain, and we had no justification to make a change."

Le Graet's stance on Zidane had intensified public backlash against him personally. Previously, when queried about whether Zidane might have contacted him, Le Graet responded by saying he "would not have taken the call," comments that provoked considerable uproar in French football circles.

Nevertheless, Le Graet acknowledged Zidane's considerable merits as a football mind. He highlighted the legendary coach's three consecutive Champions League victories while managing Real Madrid, noting that Zidane possesses a sophisticated grasp of the sport and recognizes the importance of assembling elite talent and making shrewd managerial decisions.

Le Graet conceded that had he remained in his position, Zidane would have emerged as an exceptionally qualified candidate for the coaching role opening this summer. He underscored that Zidane's name inevitably surfaces in any such conversation given his stature and track record, and that few would dispute his credentials for leading the French national team.