The history of the French national soccer team is marked by the presence of numerous coaches who have left their mark on Les Bleus' career. Over the decades, each of these coaches has brought his or her own vision, strategies and methods to France's rise to the top of world soccer.
1. Didier deschamps (2012 to present)
Didier Deschamps has been coach of the French national team since 2012, making him the longevity record-holder in this role, with 156 matches managed. His tenure began after the thorny episode of the Knysna fiasco in 2010. A former iconic player, he captained Les Bleus at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
His outstanding achievements
Under his leadership, the French team has seen two World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, winning the one in 2018. In 2016, Les Bleus reached the Euro final. The Deschamps method relies on a solid collective and a pragmatic, defensive approach.
Career path
Prior to taking charge of the French national team, Deschamps accumulated experience at the helm of Monaco, Juventus and Marseille. Thanks to his strategic vision, he has transformed the French team into a formidable outfit.
Future objectives
With Euro 2024 in his sights, Deschamps continues to set his sights high. His playing philosophy and its high standards are invaluable assets for future competitions.
| Selector | Duration | Main achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Didier Deschamps | 2012 - now | World Cup 2018, finals in 2018 and 2022, Euro 2016 final |
2. Aimé Jacquet (1994-1998)
Aimé Jacquet, coach of the French national team from 1994 to 1998, was the architect of the historic victory at the 1998 World Cup. A former midfielder with AS Saint-Étienne, his playing career was cut short by injury.
Historic victory in 1998
Jacquet led Les Bleus to national and worldwide fame with a resounding 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final on July 12. The victory marked a turning point in the history of French soccer.
Major contributions
Prior to the World Cup, Jacquet was criticized for a chilly game during Euro 1996, but he knew what he was doing. His methodical approach and strategies paid off.
Manager's career
Before taking over the reins of the French national team, Jacquet had been three-time French champion with Girondins de Bordeaux. His experience as a manager and his perseverance were decisive assets for Les Bleus.
| Selector | Duration | Main achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Aimé Jacquet | 1994 – 1998 | 1998 World Cup |
3. Michel hidalgo (1976-1984)
Michel Hidalgo is another outstanding coach of the French national team, leading Les Bleus from 1976 to 1984. During his eight years in charge, he built a remarkable team based on attacking principles.
The rise of the French team
Hidalgo has transformed the French team by integrating young talents such as Platini, Giresse and Tigana. Under his leadership, Les Bleus won Euro 1984, marking a turning point in the evolution of French soccer.
The impact of the 1984 euro
Visit emblematic victory at Euro 1984, including the epic semi-final against Portugal, was crowned by a final victory over Spain. This success consolidated Michel Hidalgo's status in the history of French soccer.
Post-euro transition
After Euro 1984, Hidalgo stepped down as coach. He continued to influence French soccer by becoming national technical director, thus demonstrating his passion and commitment for the development of soccer in France.
| Selector | Duration | Main achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Michel Hidalgo | 1976 – 1984 | Euro 1984 |
4. List of French team coaches
Over the decades, various coaches have led the French national team, each making their own contribution to Les Bleus' rich history.
Prominent coaches
- Didier Deschamps (2012 - present)
- Raymond Domenech (2004 – 2010)
- Roger Lemerre (1998 – 2002)
- Aimé Jacquet (1994 – 1998)
Raymond Domenech Domenech: Coach from 2004 to 2010, he managed 79 matches. After a notable career as a rough-and-tumble full-back, Domenech led Les Bleus to the 2006 World Cup Final, which was marked by a defeat by Italy after the Zidane-Materazzi incident. His tenure was also marked by conflict and controversy, culminating in the Anelka affair and the Knysna bus incident in South Africa in 2010.
Roger Lemerre Succeeding Aimé Jacquet after the 1998 World Cup, he managed Les Bleus from 1998 to 2002. Lemerre won Euro 2000 and the 2001 Confederations Cup, but his tenure came to an abrupt end with theresounding failure at the 2002 world championshipeliminating Les Bleus from the group stage.
Henri Michel Henri Michel: Coach from 1984 to 1988, Henri Michel won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. However, no major title crowned his time at the helm of Les Bleus.
Challenges and successes
The history of France's national team selectors is a fascinating one. real mosaic of successes, failures and unforgettable moments. Each of these coaches has left an indelible mark on French soccer, contributing to its development. vision, strategy and passion.
| Selector | Duration | Main achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond Domenech | 2004 – 2010 | 2006 World Cup Final |
| Roger Lemerre | 1998 – 2002 | Euro 2000, Confederations Cup 2001 |
| Henri Michel | 1984 – 1988 | Gold medal 1984 Olympic Games |
A promising future for French coaches
The future of French team coaches This year promises to be an exciting and challenging one. Currently, Didier Deschamps continues to lead Les Bleus to further victories, and Thierry Henry is set to lead France's Espoirs to the Paris 2024 Olympics. We have learned a lot French coaches' strategies, challenges and successes, influencing training methods and development goals for young talent.
The influence of coaches
Understanding best practices and the impact of the selectors will help you to spot promising young talent, just as we do at the detection center. We invite you to discover the 10 key benefits of good practice in soccer scouting.
Anticipating future challenges
With high goals for Euro 2024, we can expect to see the French team continue to compete with the world's best teams. Let's encourage our young talents to persevere and draw inspiration from the great breeders in the history of French soccer.