French national coach Diacre stays on despite ‘smear campaign’ players

French national coach Corinne Diacre says she will stay on despite criticism from players. She says she is shocked by the “smear campaign” from critics who want her to quit before the World Cup.

The 48-year-old Diacre is being criticized for her leadership style and lack of success in tournaments. Last month, France captain Wendie Renard said she will not participate in the tournament because she is not satisfied with how the team is performing.

Following Renard’s decision, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who was nominated late last year for the Ballon d’Or for best player in the world, also said they do not want to play for France for the time being.

There have been tensions within France’s selection between the players and Diacre for years. After she took charge in 2017, Diacre stripped Renard of the captain’s armband but gave it back to her in 2021.

The players stepping down have not been further detailed so far, but Renard indicated she feared for her mental health if she remained in the team.

Diani said she would return to the national team only if significant changes are made.

Diacre has held the coaching position since 2017 and her contract runs until 2024.

Through social media last month, Renard announced he no longer wants to play for France:

Earlier there were rumors that Diacre would quit, now she announces she actually wants to stay.

Diacre’s future with the French national team could be decided tomorrow at a meeting at the French Football Federation. They will decide whether she will stay on or not.

Diacre said she has been heard by a federation committee and thanked its members for allowing her to “debunk the lies that were made without a rebuttal.”

Diacre said she is determined to remain in charge and “uphold French honor during the upcoming World Cup.”

The Women’s World Cup will be played in Australia and New Zealand starting July 20.