"I am not one of his intimate friends" – Didier Deschamps responds to Zinedine Zidane

France manager Didier Deschamps appeared to take a subtle dig at his former Juventus and Les Bleus teammate, Zinedine Zidane.

Deschamps has led the French team to achieve bigger things, winning the 2018 World Cup, and leading them to two additional major finals – Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar since assuming the role in 2012.

Despite his accomplishments, it has been confirmed that Deschamps will step down from his role following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Coincidence or not, Zidane’s name always emerges in discussions about a potential successor, thanks to his coaching success at Real Madrid. His first stint in charge of the Spanish giants saw him win three consecutive Champions League titles in just two and a half years, solidifying his credentials.

Now, with Deschamps’ exit publicly confirmed, Zidane has emerged as the leading contender to lead Les Bleus.

This comes as no surprise to the football world as almost every football enthusiast would relish the man tagged as a “master tactician” in the dugout once again after his magnificent exploits within a short time with Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid after winning his third consecutive Champions League Trophy

Despite mutual respect between the two, there has been intense speculation about a “broken relationship”.

However, Deschamps in an interview with Le Figaro quashed the notion of bad blood between them, stating that while they may not be close friends, they respect each other,

“Another great preconceived idea! began the France manager,” Deschamps said.

“We spent a lot of years together. There is still a lot of respect between us. By the way, the last time we saw each other, we exchanged and talked well…there is still, on both sides, a form of recognition of each other’s success.

“I am not one of his intimate friends. We both have our own lives but whatever happens, there will always be respect between us.”