He is no longer really part of the media landscape of football, but Christmas Le Graët continues to observe and follow, behind, this environment. This Tuesday, June 10, if the team confirms that its relations with Philippe Diallo, its successor, remain tense, the daily reveals that it retains links with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA or with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the president of PSG. Above all, the former president of the French Football Federation keeps an eye on the Blues and now sees a good eye the potential arrival of Zinedine Zidane at the head of the Blues.
In an interview with sports daily, Breton notably returned to controversy that he had created more than two years ago on this subject. On January 8, 2023, then guest of the program Bartoli Time on RMC, Noël Le Graët had made remarks on the 1998 world champion had aroused controversy. “Zidane in Brazil?” I have nothing to shake, he can go where he wants, he had launched. He can go where he wants, in a club … selection, I barely believe in it as far as he is concerned. If Zidane tried to join me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even have taken it on the phone. »»
The next day, the former president of En Avant Guingamp had apologized and today confirms his regrets. “I was fed up with being asked why I had it (Editor: Didier Deschamps) signed four years,” he explains. So, I sent walking I don’t know who. I might not do it the same way today. But it was not against Zidane, it is a sentence with a cookie cutter that even the minister saw fit to resume, no but frankly … “
And while Didier Deschamps has already announced that he would leave his post as coach after the 2026 World Cup, Christmas Le Graët sees a good eye the potential arrival of Zinedine Zidane at his post. “Zidane succeeded with Real,” he justifies. He did things. He has the public and the press with him. It is already an achievement to start well. »»
He assures that if he was currently in office, he would have “even certainly named it”.
Despite his departure from the French Football Federation (FFF), Noël le Graët continues to cast a long shadow over French football.His observations, especially regarding the future of the French national team, remain of interest to many. This Tuesday’s report, which confirms the continued tension with his successor, Philippe Diallo, also highlights Le graët’s lingering connections to key figures in the sport, including FIFA President Gianni infantino and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. But what truly resonates is Le Graët’s shifting viewpoint on Zinedine Zidane, a subject of considerable controversy during his tenure.
The shift is highlighted in an interview with a sports daily where Le Graët revisits the inflammatory comments he made in January 2023 on the “Bartoli Time” program on RMC. He infamously stated, regarding Zidane coaching the French national team, “I have nothing to shake, he can go where he wants… I barely believe in it as far as he is concerned. If Zidane tried to join me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even have taken it on the phone.” these blunt remarks sparked immediate backlash,forcing Le Graët to later issue an apology.
Le Graët now acknowledges those statements as regretful, attributing them to frustration over repeated questions about Didier Deschamps’ contract extension. “I was fed up with being asked why I had it (Editor: Didier Deschamps) signed four years,” he explains. “So, I sent walking I don’t know who. I might not do it the same way today. But it was not against Zidane, it is a sentence with a cookie cutter that even the minister saw fit to resume, no but frankly … ” This admission underscores the pressures faced by high-profile sports administrators and the rapid consequences of public missteps.
With Didier Deschamps’ announced departure after the 2026 World Cup, the question of succession looms large. Le graët now openly supports the idea of Zidane taking the helm. “Zidane succeeded with Real,” he argues, “He did things. He has the public and the press with him. It is already an achievement to start well.” This newfound endorsement represents a important change in perspective, showing how sentiment, and perhaps political realities, within the sport can evolve even from one’s position outside of the federation..
He goes further, stating, “If I was currently in office, I woudl have even certainly named it,” underlining the weight of his current assessment of the situation. This statement underlines the inherent complexities and interpersonal dynamics that define the top echelons of football management.
To better understand the contrasting views, a comparison of Le Graët’s stance towards Zidane across the timeline is crucial:
| Aspect | January 2023 (Original Remarks) | present Day (Recent interview) |
|---|---|---|
| Zidane’s Coaching Prospects | Dismissive. Doubted Zidane’s ability to succeed with the national team. Expressed little faith in Zidane’s potential. | Supportive. Acknowledges Zidane’s achievements and the backing he receives from the public and press. Believes he would have appointed Zidane if he were still in office. |
| Reasoning | Seemed to be a result of prior frustrations towards repetitive questions on Deschamps’ renewal | Highlights Zidane’s successful track record, public appeal, and media favorability. |
| Overall Tone | Critical and dismissive, even antagonistic. | Appreciative and approving. Acknowledges previous remarks’ regret. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the primary controversy surrounding Noël Le Graët and Zinedine Zidane?
- Why did Noël Le Graët initially criticize Zinedine Zidane?
- How has Noël Le Graët’s opinion of zinedine Zidane changed?
- What is the current status of Didier Deschamps with the French national team?
- Who are the key figures mentioned in this article?
- What are the implications of Le Graët’s updated views on Zidane?
What was the primary controversy surrounding Noël Le Graët and Zinedine Zidane?
The core of the controversy stems from disparaging remarks Le Graët made in January 2023 regarding Zidane’s potential to coach the French national team. He questioned Zidane’s ability and suitability for the role.
Why did Noël Le Graët initially criticize Zinedine Zidane?
Le Graët’s initial criticism was reportedly a result of frustration stemming from constant questioning about Didier deschamps’ contract extension, not necessarily a personal attack on Zidane himself.
How has Noël Le Graët’s opinion of zinedine Zidane changed?
Le Graët now expresses support for Zidane, recognizing his successful track record with Real Madrid and the backing he receives from the public and the press. He even states he would have appointed Zidane if he were still President of the French Football Federation.
What is the current status of Didier Deschamps with the French national team?
Didier Deschamps has announced he will leave his position as coach after the 2026 World Cup.
Who are the key figures mentioned in this article?
Key figures include Noël Le Graët (former FFF president), zinedine Zidane (former player and coach), Didier Deschamps (current coach of the french national team), Gianni Infantino (FIFA President), and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi (PSG President).
What are the implications of Le Graët’s updated views on Zidane?
Le Graët’s revised opinion underscores the dynamic nature of opinions and the influence of surrounding factors, such as public perception and prior achievements, on high-level football management and the future of the French national team.
