Raymond Domenech is not alone in thinking that Thierry Henry could be a serious alternative to Zinedine Zidane to succeed Didier Deschamps. Other former Blues share his opinion and believe that the choice of the future coach deserves consideration. One of them, although very close to Zidane, recently took a position on this debate.
Unexpected support for Thierry Henry
Thursday evening, during his appearance on the L’Équipe Channel, Djibril Cissé gave his support to the idea of Thierry Henry at the head of the France team. While welcoming Zidane, he did not hide his interest in another option: “Logic would dictate that it would be Zinedine. Afterwards, things go quickly in football. But does he want it? I would totally like that. I am Zinedine’s number one supporter, but it’s not crazy to think of Thierry (Henry). »
Cissé, who played alongside Zidane in the French team, also knows Henry very well, with whom he shared significant moments, notably during the 2002 World Cup. This generational link seems to weigh heavily in his analysis.
Zidane doesn’t just have supporters.
Zidane, a not so unanimous choice
Cissé’s statements echo those of Raymond Domenech, expressed the day before. The former Blues coach surprised by putting forward Thierry Henry as a credible alternative. This difference of opinion underlines that the evidence of Zidane as a natural successor to Deschamps is not shared by everyone.
For Cissé, Henry’s experience as assistant to Belgium and coach of the Espoirs is a significant asset. If Zidane remains the emblematic figure for many, the profile of Thierry Henry is increasingly attractive. With the announcement of Deschamps’ departure after the 2026 World Cup, the debate has only just begun.
The French Football Federation will have to decide between a legend like Zidane and an alternative supported by influential figures of French football like Domenech and Cissé.
