Zidane tipped for France job

5 July 2012 17:10

The French Football Federation reportedly see Zinedine Zidane as strong a candidate for the role of national team coach as Didier Deschamps.

According to L'Equipe, while Real Madrid's sporting director has no previous coaching experience, the France legend is viewed as a viable replacement for Laurent Blanc, who stepped down following the country's disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

Deschamps was immediately installed as the favourite to succeed Blanc following his former international team-mate's resignation on June 30.

The odds on him being France's next boss only shortened after he parted company with Marseille two days later.

However, Zidane has said he would like to coach his country one day.

"I want to start preparing to take the title of coach," Zidane told Le Journal de Saone-et-Loire late last month. "The playing field is what I know best.

"I have lived 20 years of special moments and I want to convey and share my experience with others."

It was a declaration that was warmly received by FFF president Noel Le Graet, who is now giving serious thought to turning to the man who

inspired France to World Cup glory in 1998.

Speaking to reporters after Zidane's comments, Le Graet said: "I find it very charming that he has expressed a desire to be close to France's team.

"He dreams of coaching France within a decade. It is very gratifying."

Zidane, Deschamps and Blanc were also a part of the side that won Euro 2000.