Marc Retali’s first call-up to Zinédine Zidane’s France staff has ended before the new team has even begun work, with the Alsatian podiatrist removed after an unauthorised media interview.
Retali dropped from Zidane’s France staff after interview
The French Football Federation confirmed Zidane’s revised backroom team on Tuesday, but Retali was absent from the final list despite appearing in an initial version published on the federation’s website in mid-August.
Serge Isidoro has instead been appointed as the squad’s podiatrist. Isidoro has previously worked with Benfica’s footballers and Nanterre’s basketball players.
Retali’s departure followed tension with Hervé Collado, the new France team doctor. The specialist had given a lengthy interview shortly after his appointment, speaking about his career and his surprise at joining Zidane’s staff.
The appearance had not been cleared in advance and was considered a breach of the discretion expected around the national team set-up. A member of the France staff said that “the obligation of discretion was not respected”.
Contract dispute over confidentiality expectation
Retali’s camp has challenged that assessment, arguing that such an obligation could not apply before a contract had been signed. When the first version of Zidane’s staff was published in mid-August, no agreement had yet been formally concluded.
For now, Isidoro takes the place that Retali had expected to occupy, as Zidane’s newly assembled France staff moves into its final form.
SEO Title: Marc Retali removed from Zinédine Zidane France staff after interview
SEO Description: Marc Retali has been replaced as podiatrist in Zinédine Zidane’s France staff after an unapproved media interview caused concern within the new set-up.
