Paris, France – Former French international midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo is setting his sights on a modern challenge: leading a team from the dugout. The 52-year-traditional, who earned 18 caps for Les Bleus and was a key part of the 2006 World Cup squad, has stated his readiness to seize the reins as a head coach, aiming for a top-level position in French football.
Dhorasoo, a two-time Ligue 1 champion with Lyon in 2003 and 2004, is currently honing his coaching skills. He is slated to receive his highest-level coaching diploma in June, equipping him with the qualifications to manage at the professional level. His journey into coaching began with a role as an assistant at Caucriauville (a club in the Regional 1 league) in 2023, followed by work with the youth teams at Blanc-Mesnil. Since the summer of 2025, he has been serving as an assistant coach at Paris 13 Atlético, a third-tier club competing in the Championnat National.
The move to Paris 13 Atlético, based in the south-east of the capital and playing at the Stade Pelé, represents a deliberate step in Dhorasoo’s coaching evolution. He proactively reached out to the club, drawn to its ambition and the opportunity to work alongside head coach Maxence Flachez, a former teammate. “I live in the 10th arrondissement, I played for PSG, and Paris 13 Atlético intrigued me… it genuinely interested me,” Dhorasoo explained to Le Parisien. “I’m a young coach and I’ll be able to keep learning alongside Maxence Flachez, someone I once played against.”
Dhorasoo’s connection to the Parisian community, having grown up in a working-class neighborhood in Le Havre, also played a role in his decision. He sees parallels between his roots and the atmosphere at the Stade Pelé, stating, “I come from a working-class neighbourhood in Le Havre, so when I see the Stade Boutroux, I feel at home — even if I’ve also known Milanello.”
However, his time as an assistant at Paris 13 Atlético appears to be a stepping stone. Dhorasoo has made it clear he’s not planning a long stint on the sidelines. “I me sens prêt à prendre une équipe de haut niveau, à gérer un staff et à me lancer dans une aventure humaine [I feel ready to take a high-level team, to manage a staff and to launch into a human adventure],” he told L’Équipe. He already has a network of individuals he intends to build a coaching staff around.
Dhorasoo’s ambitions are high. He envisions himself managing in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2, or potentially taking charge of a National-level team with a strong project and a position near the top of the table. His experience as a player, which included spells at Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan – where he reached the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final – provides a solid foundation for his coaching aspirations.
The former midfielder’s career spanned over a decade, beginning with Le Havre in 1993 and culminating in a brief spell with Livorno in 2007. He was known for his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and versatility in midfield. His international career, though not extensive in terms of appearances, included a memorable run to the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Dhorasoo’s transition into coaching reflects a growing trend of former players seeking to apply their experience and knowledge to the next generation. His proactive approach – reaching out to clubs and actively pursuing coaching qualifications – demonstrates a commitment to the profession. The completion of his Diplôme d’État Supérieur (DES) in June will mark a significant milestone in his coaching journey, officially preparing him to lead a team at the highest levels of French football.
As Paris 13 Atlético continue their campaign in the National league, aiming for a second consecutive season of maintaining their status, Dhorasoo will be gaining valuable experience alongside Flachez. But with his sights firmly set on a head coaching role, it seems only a matter of time before he takes the next step in his footballing career. The question now is which club will offer him the opportunity to lead.
What’s Next: Vikash Dhorasoo will complete his DES coaching qualification in June. He will continue to serve as assistant coach at Paris 13 Atlético for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, while actively seeking opportunities to turn into a head coach.
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