Hugo Lloris fully validated Zinédine Zidane’s choice to entrust the goalkeepers of the France team to Fabien Barthez. Asked by The Parisian after the officialization of the new staff of the Blues, the former captain of the selection, record holder of the selections with 145 appearances, described the 1998 world champion as “ post monument “. An opinion informed by his own experience since Lloris had worked with Barthez during his first years with the Blues, when the former goalkeeper occasionally worked with the goalkeepers between 2008 and 2012. We can only progress through contact with people like Fabien “, estimates the 2018 world champion. For him, Barthez’s contribution will far exceed the work done on the pitch: ” It’s not just about being in contact with him on the pitch, but also outside, through discussions, through analyses. » Lloris also recalls having “ grew up watching Fabien at the post », considering the former Marseillais as a particularly inspiring personality for his generation.
This arrival marks an important change in the management of French goalkeepers with the departure of Franck Raviot, to whom Lloris also wanted to pay tribute for his “ remarkable work “. Barthez will now put his immense experience at the service of the new generation of goalkeepers in the staff formed around Zidane. At 55, the former Monaco, Manchester United and Marseille goalkeeper is perfectly familiar with the environment of the Blues, with whom he notably won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. His arrival accompanies the start of a new cycle for the France team, Zidane having been appointed coach on July 28. The new staff will make their first meeting in September before two trips to the League of Nations, to Türkiye on September 25 then to Belgium three days later.
