Two French national-team managers, separated by squads but linked by an old memory from the touchline, could soon sit down together at Clairefontaine. Laurent Bonadei, coach of France’s women, says he wants to speak with Zinédine Zidane after the latter’s appointment as head coach of the men’s side.
A meeting still to be arranged
Bonadei has not yet had the chance to meet Zidane in his new role. Speaking after naming his latest France women’s squad, he said the former midfielder had understandably been occupied with his staff and preparations for an important international window.
- Zidane’s France men have four matches ahead of them.
- Bonadei and his assistant, Stéphane Saillant, planned to attend Friday’s match against Italy at the Stade de France.
- The women’s coach said Zidane would be welcome at Clairefontaine or at any France women’s fixture.
- Bonadei expects they will find time to talk once Zidane’s schedule becomes less demanding.
“He has had plenty to think about and organise with his staff, especially with this important period ahead,” Bonadei said. “When he has a little more time, there will be opportunities for us to meet.”
A memory from Toulon
The prospective conversation would revive an acquaintance stretching back almost three decades. Bonadei recalled a meeting with Zidane from February 1996, when he was involved with Sporting Club de Toulon.
Toulon beat Bordeaux in the French Cup round of 16 at Stade Mayol, a result Bonadei still regards as a major occasion. Bordeaux later reached a European final that season, adding weight to the upset on the Mediterranean coast.
Bonadei also remembered Zidane being present on the final day of his BEPF coaching qualification, during the presentation of his sporting project. Zidane had been part of the assessment panel before leaving it, a detail Bonadei recalled with a smile.
Two France teams, one shared base
For Bonadei, the intention is clear: France’s new men’s manager has an open invitation to visit the women’s set-up, while the women’s coach is ready to make the journey in the other direction. Their next meeting may come far from the old noise of Mayol, but the connection has already been there for 30 years.
