The appointment of Fabien Barthez to Zinedine Zidane’s revamped France backroom team has triggered a strong debate over coaching qualifications at the top end of international football. While critics have questioned the French Football Federation’s decision to bring in a coach who does not yet hold the required diplomas, several big names have come out in support of the former goalkeeper.
A legendary reunion comes under scrutiny
Zinedine Zidane’s arrival as Didier Deschamps’ successor was expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter of unity for Les Bleus, but his staffing choices have already come under the spotlight. The FFF recently confirmed that Barthez will return as goalkeeping coach, reuniting the 1998 World Cup-winning pair on the touchline.
However, the fact that the former Manchester United goalkeeper still does not have the formal coaching diplomas needed for the position has sparked a public disagreement among some of the most recognisable voices in French football.
Larque, a well-known and respected figure in the French media, has spoken strongly about the precedent this could set for the national game. While he has no doubts about the quality of the individual involved, he feels the federation is not applying the same standards it expects from others.
“There is no one better than Barthez,” Larqué said on RMC’s ‘Rothen s’enflamme’ on Tuesday evening. “Do you really need coaching badges to lead the French national team? That’s a myth! There is no rule that requires them. It’s a total paradox because we are talking about the absolute highest level of the sport. Obviously, the rules exist for domestic leagues, but not here.”
FFF accused of not setting the right example
The main criticism aimed at FFF president Philippe Diallo is what some see as a lack of consistency. By appointing a coach who is still working towards his qualifications, there is a feeling in some quarters that the governing body is weakening the value of the national coaching pathway.
The former France international has also criticised the FFF leadership, saying the controversy could easily have been avoided. “The FFF is allowing a lack of standards at the very top level of our football,” Larque said angrily. “Can they not think for one second? Could they not simply have put a qualified assistant next to Barthez to stop the criticism? If you appoint an assistant with the required badges, then there is no problem. I know Fabien, and I believe he has a lot to give, but this does not look good.”
Rothen hits out at the ‘easy’ criticism
Not everyone agrees with the attention being placed on qualifications, though. Former PSG and France winger Jerome Rothen has firmly defended Barthez, arguing that his stature in the game should matter more than any administrative requirement.
“Criticism is easy,” the former France midfielder said angrily. “When Zidane comes in, he picks his own staff. Let people do their work! Everyone dreamed of seeing Zizou become France coach. How can anyone dare to say Barthez does not have the badges or does not deserve to be there? We’re talking about Barthez, for f***’s sake! He revolutionised goalkeeping - how does he not have enough credit? There is not even a debate to have. If there is one man who deserves respect, it is him.”
Practical experience versus formal education
The discussion once again underlines a long-running tension in football between the worth of elite-level playing experience and formal coaching education. Barthez, who won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993 and became a world champion in 1998, is currently studying for his diplomas in order to answer the remaining doubts. But for those who shared a dressing room with him, the suggestion that a coaching handbook could provide more understanding than Barthez’s own playing career is seen as ridiculous when it comes to preparing players at the highest level of international football.
