French coaching decline prompts questions about future leadership

French football coaching is facing a significant decline, with fewer French managers holding positions in top European leagues. The prominence of famous coaches like Arsène Wenger and Gérard Houllier has faded. Today, only Patrick Vieira is managing in major leagues, taking charge at Genoa in Serie A. The situation has worsened as Didier Deschamps prepares to leave the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. He pointed out that many French managers struggle with language barriers, limiting their chances abroad. They often find jobs in French-speaking nations, especially in Africa, where their influence is also diminishing. Currently, among 78 managerial roles in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, only one is held by a Frenchman. In France, less than half of Ligue 1’s managers are now French, with none leading the top three clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, and Monaco. The decline has been rapid. In the last decade, the number of foreign managers in Ligue 1 has surged. This issue contrasts sharply with countries like Italy and Spain, where local coaches dominate the top divisions. French football’s nurturing of coaching talent appears to be failing compared to these nations. Aging French coaches like Eric Roy and Bruno Génésio are among the few prominent figures left. With younger talents struggling to rise, the future of French coaching looks uncertain. The absence of strong networks and agents may also be contributing to this trend, indicating that a significant shift is needed for French coaches to regain their foothold in the football world.