Rothen defends Barthez in Zidane's France staff: "Stop messing around"

Jérôme Rothen has reacted strongly to the controversy surrounding Fabien Barthez’s integration into Zinedine Zidane’s France staff, where the 1998 World Cup winner is set to coach the goalkeepers despite lacking a coaching diploma.

For Rothen, a former international teammate of Barthez, the question should not even arise. “We’re talking about Fabien Barthez,” he said. “He was World Champion, European Champion, he won the first Ligue des Champions with Marseille and revolutionised the goalkeeper position. How does he not have enough credibility to coach France’s goalkeepers?”

The former midfielder also attacked critics he views as disconnected from the pitch. “These guys have never set foot on a football field and they tell you: ‘Oh he’s not qualified, he has no business being there!’ Do you realise where he took the France team? When Fabien Barthez gives advice to Mike Maignan, is he going to use his coaching certificate or his experience as a player? Come on, seriously, stop messing around!”

Rothen also called for patience with Zidane as he builds his project before passing any judgment. “Everyone dreamed of having Zinedine Zidane at the head of the France team. Now you have him, he’s putting his staff in place, at least respect that and wait to see. After that, if things don’t go well, criticism can come.”

Since his retirement in 2008, Barthez has stayed away from professional football, except for a consultant role at Toulouse FC in autumn 2020, which was quickly ended. His return to the France team’s orbit alongside Zidane marks a notable break from this discretion.