In the last episode of Legends podcastJérôme Gnako recounts his one and only tenure in the France team. Striking straight for AS Monaco, he had the chance to start with the Blues in February 1994, for the very first meeting of Aimé Jacquet as a coach. After the dramatic France-Bulgaria (the defeat in the 90th minute at the Parc des Princes which dismissed the Blues of the World Cup 94 in the United States), the 52-year-old coach, hitherto assistant to Gérard Houllier, was appointed provisionally.
Aimé Jacquet, coach of the Grand Bordeaux in the 80s (triple champion of France) and renowned for his defensive philosophy, has done many tests in the offensive sector in order to accompany Eric Cantona and David Ginola not yet dismissed. During this very first match, in addition to Jérôme Gnako, the strong choice of “Mémé” was to align from entrance Youri Djorkaeff, another player from AS Monaco, but who was the offensive crack of the Principality team. In the group at France-Bulgaria, he had never been launched in the eleven.
Djorkaeff did not miss the opportunity to shake the nets during this friendly meeting against Italy, on February 16, 1994 in Naples. On a bad pass from the Franco Barei legend, David Ginola is struck axis and shifts Youri Djorkaeff, who stings his ball in front of Gianluca Pagliuca just before half-time (44th). The only goal of an unexpected 1-0 victory against Arrigo Sacchi Azzurri who were going to be finalists of the World Cup a few months later (beaten by Brazil on penalties). The French press has not failed to point out: France has finally beat Italy since 1912, or 82 years old!
Jacquet stimulating white and launches Zidane!
“I remember this match perfectly since it was the first time that I had holder with the Blues. I think we have only one action in the match and I put it basically. This is the start of the 'snake' in the French team. I often say that loved Jacquet is my spiritual father. It is one of the few people who knew how to put me in the best dispositions so that I express myself ”recalls Djorkaeff on the FIFA website. The “snake” will win its nickname by scoring five goals in the EURO 96 qualifiers.
The future world champions 98 Bernard Lama, Marcel Desailly, Christian Karembeu, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps and therefore Youri Djorkaeff were from this Italy-France. Comforted by these positive beginnings, Aimé Jacquet – who will remain provisional coach for more than a year! – Then released Laurent Blanc from his retirement to associate him with Marcel Desailly in central defense and promoted a certain Zinedine Zidane, 22, during a Djorkaeff package. The two artists were first put into competition, before being associated with the approach of Euro 96.
