Image via REUTERS
Noel le Graet, head of the French Football Federation, has apologized for his “clumsy remarks” on Zinedine Zidane’s prospective interest in leading the national team.
Le Graet, 81, stated in a radio interview that if Zidane had called, he “wouldn’t even have taken his call.”
On Monday, Le Graet stated that the remarks “do not reflect” his opinions.
Didier Deschamps, the manager of France, on Saturday agreed to an extension through 2026.
“I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become,” Le Graet said.
“I gave an interview to [French radio station] RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.
“I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding.”
In December, Deschamps led France to their second straight World Cup final, when they fell to Argentina on penalties.
Asked whether Zidane called him about the France head coach’s job, Le Graet said: “I wouldn’t even have taken his call. To tell him what? ‘Hello sir. Don’t worry. Look for another club. I just agreed a contract with Didier.’
“It’s up to him what he does. It’s not my business. I’ve never met him and we’ve never considered parting with Didier.
“He can go where he wants, to a club. He would have as many as he wants in Europe, a big club. But a national side is hardly credible, to my mind.”
French federation president apologizes for ‘disrespectful remarks’ on Zidane
Image via REUTERS
Noel le Graet, head of the French Football Federation, has apologized for his “clumsy remarks” on Zinedine Zidane’s prospective interest in leading the national team.
Le Graet, 81, stated in a radio interview that if Zidane had called, he “wouldn’t even have taken his call.”
On Monday, Le Graet stated that the remarks “do not reflect” his opinions.
Didier Deschamps, the manager of France, on Saturday agreed to an extension through 2026.
“I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become,” Le Graet said.
“I gave an interview to [French radio station] RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.
“I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding.”
In December, Deschamps led France to their second straight World Cup final, when they fell to Argentina on penalties.
Asked whether Zidane called him about the France head coach’s job, Le Graet said: “I wouldn’t even have taken his call. To tell him what? ‘Hello sir. Don’t worry. Look for another club. I just agreed a contract with Didier.’
“It’s up to him what he does. It’s not my business. I’ve never met him and we’ve never considered parting with Didier.
“He can go where he wants, to a club. He would have as many as he wants in Europe, a big club. But a national side is hardly credible, to my mind.”