The Champions League quarter-final draw threw up no shortage of intrigue – particularly for Pep Guardiola.

The Manchester City manager will face Bayern Munich for the first time since leaving Germany in 2016.

But that is not the only reunion in the last eight as Carlo Ancelotti again goes back to Chelsea 12 months on from an epic tie at the same stage last season.

It might not be Ancelotti's last meeting with a former side either, potentially facing Bayern in the semi-finals and then Napoli or Milan in the final.

The Madrid coach has a mixed record facing sides he has previously coached, however, while Guardiola has some painful memories to get over.

Stats Perform looks at how the most dominant coaches of the modern era have fared against former teams...

Carlo Ancelotti (P14 W3 D5 L6)

The Italian eliminated two of his former employers en route to winning the Champions League in 2021-22, with dramatic comebacks against both Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 and Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

And Ancelotti's first European crown as a coach came courtesy of Milan beating Juventus on penalties in the 2003 final.

There was another victory against Juventus while in his first stint with Madrid back in 2013-14, winning at the Santiago Bernabeu in the group stage.

Yet after that match, Ancelotti went nine without a win in the Champions League against clubs he had previously coached, finally ending that run with the second-leg victory against PSG last season.

That miserable sequence included a semi-final loss to Juve in 2015 when Madrid were defending champions, along with crashing out at the quarter-final stage against Madrid while in charge of Bayern in 2016-17.

In September 2017, Bayern lost 3-0 to PSG, prompting Ancelotti's sacking. It is fair to say he has bounced back.

Pep Guardiola (P4 W2 D0 L2)

Guardiola may be set to face Bayern for the first time since joining City, but he has already endured a pair of rough returns to Barcelona.

His first Champions League trip back to Camp Nou, where the Catalan coach had so many happy memories, was in the 2014-15 semi-finals.

Guardiola's Bayern were blown away by eventual champions Barca, losing 3-0 in a game best remembered for Lionel Messi's mesmerising second goal that left Jerome Boateng in a spin. Bayern's 3-2 home victory in the second leg was too little, too late.

Yet that tie does not even include Guardiola's heaviest defeat to the Blaugrana, taking City back to his former home in the 2016-17 group stage and losing 4-0 as Messi hit a hat-trick.

City at least responded with a 3-1 win at home, but Guardiola will hope this latest reunion is far more enjoyable.

Jose Mourinho (P8 W5 D1 L2)

Guardiola's great rival Jose Mourinho has had far more joy facing former friends, although he has had the benefit of taking on Porto – the underdogs he remarkably led to the 2004 title – with some big hitters.

Porto were still reigning European champions when Mourinho's Chelsea faced them in the 2004-05 group stage, splitting the two matches as the sides won their home games.

Mourinho's second stint at Chelsea also included a double-header against Porto in 2015-16, in which they again won one game apiece, but the now Roma boss revels in knockout ties.

Chelsea beat Porto over two legs in the last 16 in 2006-07, before the Blues saw one of these encounters from the other side in 2009-10. Mourinho's Inter dumped Chelsea out in the first knockout round, going on to win the competition.

Zinedine Zidane (P3 W2 D0 L1 – versus Juventus)

Despite persistent speculation, Zinedine Zidane has still only coached one club – albeit over two spells – in Madrid.

But the former France midfielder played for Juventus before joining Madrid, and the Bianconeri proved accommodating opponents during his time as coach at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Zidane and Madrid won three Champions Leagues in three years between 2016 and 2018, beating Juve en route to the second two successes.

The Madrid boss's first meeting with Juve as a coach was in the 2017 final in Cardiff, where Los Blancos swatted their Serie A opponents aside 4-1.

It was a rather closer and more controversial affair the following season, when Madrid were coasting after Cristiano Ronaldo's first-leg overhead kick in a 3-0 away win in the quarter-finals, only for Juve to rally in Spain.

At 3-0, the tie was heading for extra time, before a remarkable finale saw Gianluigi Buffon sent off as Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot. Rarely has a 3-1 loss been so celebrated.

Zinedine Zidane interrupted his hunt for a top job to give the glowing reference that secured his former Real Madrid assistant a first head coaching role in Switzerland.

David Bettoni has been appointed boss of Sion, the club where Mario Balotelli plays, and that may mean Zidane will be looking for a new second-in-command when he returns to football.

Zidane recently has made no secret of his eagerness to get back into work, having walked away from the Madrid hotseat after the 2020-21 season.

A post with a big club likely awaits the France great, while Bettoni begins his life as a head coach with a ringing endorsement from his friend and former boss.

Bettoni has been appointed on a short-term basis initially, taking the job until the end of the season.

Sion president Christian Constantin told newspaper Le Matin he spent over an hour on the telephone with Zidane, joking that was more than former French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet was willing to give of his time.

Le Graet caused uproar in France at the start of the year when he said he would not even have answered his phone to Zidane if he had called to enquire about the France job. That was after Zidane saw his hopes of being made boss of Les Bleus scuppered by Didier Deschamps signing up for another World Cup cycle.

Constantin said of his chat with Zidane: "It made me very happy to be able to talk about football with him for an hour and a quarter. He had a much better reception with me than with Le Graet!

"He told me how loyal David had been to him, that he had never sought to find fault with him in his mission. Without him, he told me again, I would never have succeeded in doing what I achieved at Real during all his years."

Sion sit ninth in the 10-team Swiss Super League and have not won a game in the competition since October.

Bettoni, who first got to know Zidane when they were teenagers at Cannes, initially joined Madrid when Zidane was in charge of the youth side, before stepping up and helping his compatriot lead Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs.

Noel Le Graet resigned as president of the French Football Federation at Tuesday's executive committee meeting following recent allegations of moral and sexual harassment.

The 81-year-old firmly denied all accusations against him after prosecutors confirmed in January an investigation into his conduct had been opened.

He temporarily stepped back from his role as president after agent Sonia Souid made accusations against him, but now he has formally left the post.

In an RMC interview, Souid outlined how her belief was that in their dealings from 2013 to 2017, Le Graet saw her as an object of his sexual desire.

Le Graet has also been accused of improper conduct in relation to female employees. The FFF filed a defamation suit against So Foot magazine, the publication in which a number of allegations were made.

Confirming the anticipated departure of its president, the FFF said in a statement: "Noel Le Graet announced this Tuesday, February 28 to the executive committee of the French Football Federation his decision to leave office.

"Philippe Diallo, vice-president, will act as interim president of the FFF until June 10, 2023, the date of the next federal assembly."

The FFF said it wished "to salute the remarkable sporting and economic results" achieved during Le Graet's presidency, since he was elected to office on June 18, 2011.

It pointed to strong results on the pitch, which have included a 2018 World Cup triumph for Didier Deschamps' men's team, plus "an ambitious training policy", and said there had been major growth on the participation side in the women's game.

Le Graet departs with the FFF as "a solid institution", the statement added, pointing to it having €56million in equity.

As well as the more serious claims made against him, Le Graet also came under fire after his bizarre comments about Zinedine Zidane in the wake of confirming Deschamps' new contract.

Kylian Mbappe was among those to criticise Le Graet, who said he would not "give a toss" if Zidane called about the possibility of taking over Les Bleus.

Angel Di Maria's time in Europe may be winding down, with his Juventus contract expiring at the end of this season.

The winger, who turned 35 last week, is yet to agree an extension with the Bianconeri, sparking talk he may opt to return to his homeland.

However, the 2022 World Cup winner recently said he was "happy" in Turin, and in Europe, without committing to any direction beyond this season.

TOP STORY – BARCELONA PLOT BID FOR FREE AGENT DI MARIA

Barcelona are weighing up a shock bid to land Angel Di Maria as a free agent at the end of this season, claims Tuttomercatoweb.

Di Maria has previously expressed his desire to one day join hometown club Rosario Central but, at 35, may be tempted by another stint at the top level.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris-Saint-Germain winger.

ROUND-UP

– Bayern Munich will provide opposition to Paris Saint-Germain and attempt to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, claims Fichajes.

– PSG are keen to bring in Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho, according to Mundo Deportivo. United are trying to extend the 18-year-old Argentinian's contract, which expires in 2024.

– Real Madrid are interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Napoli will not sell him for a price lower than €100m, claims Diario AS.

– Newcastle United are monitoring the status of Arsenal's Kiernan Tierney, who has fallen behind Oleksandr Zinchenko as their preferred left-back, according to Football Insider.

– Arsenal are front-runners in the pursuit to sign Inter defender Denzel Dumfries, reports Tuttosport. The Gunners have moved ahead of both Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for the Dutchman's signature.

– Fichajes reports that Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique are all on Chelsea's shortlist to replace under-pressure manager Graham Potter, although The Mirror claims owner Todd Boehly has no intention of sacking him yet.

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Chelsea's Mason Mount as negotiations for a contract extension continue to stall.

Mount, 24, has been with Chelsea since he was six years old, racking up 190 appearances and 33 goals for the club since breaking into the first team for the 2019-20 season.

An England regular with 36 international caps, Mount is a crucial part of Chelsea's midfield options, although his minutes have been far less secure under Graham Potter than previous managers.

Of his 19 Premier League starts this campaign, Mount has been subbed off 12 times, and the club are reportedly hesitant to meet his contract demands.

TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL MONITOR MOUNT AS HIS CONTRACT WINDS DOWN

Mount only has one more season remaining on his deal before he will be able to leave on a free transfer, and the Daily Mail is reporting Liverpool are hovering for an opportunity to pry him away.

The report claims Mount is aiming to triple his current £80,000-per-week wages, which would bring him in line with recent transfer acquisitions, as well as 23-year-old team-mate Reece James, who was rewarded with a £250,000-per-week deal in September.

If Chelsea are not able to lock up their talented midfielder by the end of the season, they will likely be forced into a sale.

ROUND-UP

– According to 90min, Manchester City have renewed their interest in 24-year-old West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as they plan a midfield rebuild.

– The Evening Standard is reporting Chelsea and Juventus have mutual interest in converting Denis Zakaria's loan move into a permanent deal, with an optional buy-clause set at £27m (€30m).

– Aston Villa will try to sign 25-year-old Roma striker Tammy Abraham at the end of the season, who is believed to be valued around £40m (€44m), per 90min.

– Footmercato is reporting Paris Saint-Germain have been in contact with Roma boss Jose Mourinho about potentially taking over from Christophe Galtier, although the French giants prefer Zinedine Zidane.

Zinedine Zidane is targeting a return to football coaching before the start of next season, the former Real Madrid boss has confirmed.

In the meantime he has accepted a role as an ambassador for the Formula One team Alpine, but Zidane stressed the flirtation with four wheels will not prevent him returning to his first love.

The 50-year-old ended his second stint in charge of Madrid after the 2020-21 season and has not coached since.

It appeared he had his heart set on taking over from Didier Deschamps as France boss, but that option was ruled out when Deschamps signed up to stay until the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane won the Champions League three times and triumphed twice in LaLiga during his time as boss of Madrid, making him an attractive potential recruit for any team with lofty ambitions.

The former Madrid and Juventus midfielder, a Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner in his playing days, has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain. However, he has previously cast doubt on whether, as a man with Marseille roots, he would be prepared to take that job.

He says any return to football could happen "very quickly" and has seemingly not excluded the possibility of finding a new team before this campaign ends.

Speaking to newspaper Le Figaro, Zidane made it clear teaming up with Alpine did not shackle him to motorsport, as the F1 team would gladly let him resume his football career.

"It's part of our deal. If I have to commit tomorrow, that won't prevent me from continuing to work with the team," Zidane said.

"Resuming remains my desire. Today, I have time and I don't know how long it will last. I have time now, maybe until June, but it can also go very quickly."

Zinedine Zidane has partnered with Formula One team Alpine as a brand ambassador for their equal opportunities programmes.

The announcement was made at the French team's 2023 car launch in London on Thursday, where their new A523 car was unveiled.

Former Juventus, Real Madrid and France midfielder Zidane, who also managed Madrid for two spells, was pictured visiting the Alpine garage at last season's Monaco Grand Prix.

"I am very happy to be here today and happy to be part of the Alpine team," Zidane said. "I had the opportunity to meet Laurent [Rossi, Alpine's CEO] with the whole team for a Grand Prix.

"We had a good exchange, and they had a project to give the opportunities to young people, to have their opportunities for all the young talent. I was interested in this project."

Two-time Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams was also confirmed to have teamed up with Alpine.

The team's programmes include Rac(H)er, aimed at promoting equal opportunities for men and women in racing, and Alpine CEO Rossi said: "Rac(H)er is key in our continuous quest for performance, to build the future of our industry by driving real change and creating equal and fair opportunities across a range of human talents."

Alpine finished fourth in the constructors' standings in 2022, 342 points behind Mercedes in third.

Zinedine Zidane sorely wanted to become head coach of France and has no interest in bossing Brazil, according to his friend and former team-mate Robert Pires.

It appeared Zidane might get his privately held wish when Didier Deschamps hesitated over his future after France lost the World Cup final to Argentina in December.

But Deschamps subsequently signed up for another term as boss of Les Bleus, agreeing to stay in the job he has held since 2012 through to the 2026 World Cup.

There have been suggestions Zidane, who has not coached since his second spell as Real Madrid boss ended after the 2020-21 season, might be in the frame to lead Brazil, who are looking for a new coach after Tite stepped down.

Pires, having spoken to Zidane, said: "What he wanted was the France team. Well, we know it will not be possible since Didier is going again for four years.

"Now he has to change direction a little bit, by going to a club. Of course, there aren't many clubs that can afford Zizou."

Turning to Zidane's thoughts about Brazil, Pires told Canal Plus: "I say what I feel: Brazil, no. Because there is the language, and he wants to understand what is happening when things are not going well.

"For that, you have to speak Portuguese well. Brazil was not topical for him."

Pires was a long-time France team-mate of Zidane, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles together.

Zidane's successor at Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has been strongly linked with Brazil in recent days, with speculation he could move to the Selecao at the end of the season.

That would create a possibly enticing opening at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Zidane would also be a likely candidate at Juventus, another former club from his playing days, should Massimiliano Allegri's tenure come to an end in Turin.

He could even be a candidate if an opportunity arises at Paris Saint-Germain, although having been born in Marseille he has previously indicated the PSG job may not be for him, given the fierce rivalry between the Parisians and OM.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has denied accusations of moral and sexual harassment after prosecutors confirmed an investigation into his conduct was opened on Monday.

Le Graet last week temporarily stepped back from his role as president after agent Sonia Souid accused him of improper conduct.

In an RMC interview, Souid outlined how her belief was that in their dealings from 2013 to 2017, Le Graet saw her as an object of his sexual desire.

The 81-year-old has also been accused of improper conduct in relation to female employees. The FFF filed a defamation suit against So Foot magazine, the publication in which these allegations were made.

Parisian prosecutors confirmed to Stats Perform on Tuesday that a probe into "sexual and moral harassment" began the day before.

Le Graet published a statement of his own in response, denying the accusations.

The release, published by AFP, said: "[Le Graet] denies all (the) accusations of moral or sexual harassment or any other criminal offences.

"[Le Graet] denounces these repeated announcements by way of the press, which intervene [in the case] before the mission of the inspection has even made its provisional report.

"In this administrative investigation, which is clearly incriminating, Mr. Le Graet has had neither the opportunity to take cognizance of the elements concerning him, nor the opportunity to put forward his observations in defence, which is seriously prejudicial to the essential rights of the defence and the presumption of innocence."

Didier Deschamps criticised Noel Le Graet's "inappropriate" comments regarding Zinedine Zidane after the French Football Federation (FFF) president stepped away from his role on Wednesday.

Le Graet has withdrawn from his duties pending a French government investigation into the governing body, with French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera calling for change at the top of the organisation. 

That news came just three days after Le Graet caused controversy with his bizarre comments about Zidane in the aftermath of Deschamps signing a new four-year deal as France coach.

Zidane was linked with Deschamps' job following last month's World Cup final defeat to Argentina, but Le Graet said he would not "give a toss" if the former Real Madrid coach expressed an interest in leading the national team.

While Le Graet subsequently apologised, his comments were labelled as disrespectful by Kylian Mbappe and were also seen as distasteful by Deschamps.

"His words, as he acknowledged and admitted, were inappropriate," Deschamps said when asked about Le Graet on Wednesday. "I think it's a very good thing that he apologised to Zizou."

Deschamps then acknowledged constant speculation linking Zidane with his job had created a rivalry between the two coaches, who played together for Juventus and the national team.

"The sporting situation has led to a rivalry between the two of us. Even, for some, an opposition," he said of his relationship with Zidane.

"I will always have a lot of respect for him in relation to what we shared together in our first life as players, and for who he is, what he represents in football and French sports."

While Deschamps will lead France at a fourth World Cup in 2026 after penning his new deal, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will not be present in the United States, Mexico and Canada after announcing his international retirement.

Deschamps was sorry to see his captain call time on his international career, saying: "I spoke at length with Hugo, I know him very well. I will not go into details. 

"When a person is driven by a deep conviction, he does not make a decision on a whim. It was carefully thought out. I understand his decision, even if I regret it. 

"He is someone who has been very important to the France team both on a human and a sporting level. We will miss him, but it is his decision, and we must say thank you for all he has done."

Noel Le Graet has stepped back from his role as French Football Federation (FFF) president amid a government investigation into the organisation.

Le Graet has been in position since 2011 but has come under increasing pressure to quit.

The French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera has called for change at the top of the FFF, while leading agent Sonia Souid accused Le Graet of improper conduct.

In an RMC interview, Souid outlined how her belief was that in their dealings from 2013 to 2017, Le Graet saw her as an object of his sexual desire. Le Graet and the FFF did not immediately respond to Souid's allegations.

The 81-year-old has also been accused of improper conduct in relation to female employees. The FFF filed a defamation suit against So Foot magazine, the publication in which these allegations were made.

The French government opened an investigation into the matter in September, but Le Graet caused further controversy week with his bizarre comments about Zinedine Zidane in the wake of confirming Didier Deschamps' new contract as France coach.

Kylian Mbappe was among those to criticise Le Graet, who said he would not "give a toss" if Zidane called about the possibility of taking over Les Bleus.

Le Graet has since apologised but on Wednesday reports emerged that he had been suspended as president.

The FFF subsequently confirmed Le Graet had "chosen to withdraw from his duties as president" until the government investigation had been concluded.

Florence Hardouin, the FFF's general manager, has also stepped down in what a statement called a "precautionary measure".

Philippe Diallo, who was serving as deputy vice president, will fill both roles on an interim basis.

Kylian Mbappe spoke from the heart when defending Zinedine Zidane from sniping by French Football Federation chief Noel Le Graet, according to Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier.

Le Graet is facing calls to quit as FFF president after coming under fire for a bizarre comment about France great Zidane, and allegations about his leadership.

The 81-year-old Le Graet told RMC he did not "give a toss" where the 1998 World Cup winner went in his next coaching job, and added he would not answer the phone to the former midfielder.

Former Real Madrid head coach Zidane had been thought to be a likely contender for the France post if coach Didier Deschamps had decided to leave after the recent World Cup in Qatar.

It was instead announced Deschamps would be staying on until the 2026 World Cup, signing a new contract.

France star forward Mbappe delivered a clear and powerful rebuke to the federation president, writing on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

While Galtier did not wish to pile on further criticism of Le Graet, the PSG head coach also made it clear he did not agree with the comments from the veteran federation boss either, and understood why Mbappe took his stance.

"Zinedine Zidane deserves the respect of everybody," Galtier said in a PSG press conference on Tuesday.

"He was an extraordinary player for the France team and a brilliant coach who has won the Champions League three times.

"The words that were said have created a strong reaction. I'm not going to comment on those words. I will simply say Zinedine Zidane deserves huge respect from everyone."

Galtier added: "Kylian Mbappe is a great guy. I haven't spoken to him about this. That is away from the context of PSG.

"He expressed himself in his own way with his heart, so that is what he said, and I am not surprised that Kylian Mbappe wanted to defend Zinedine Zidane. I know he has a huge respect for Zinedine Zidane."

The French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera has called for change at the top of the FFF, while leading agent Sonia Souid accused Le Graet of improper conduct.

In an RMC interview, Souid outlined how her belief was that in their dealings from 2013 to 2017, Le Graet saw her as an object of his sexual desire.

Le Graet and the FFF did not immediately respond to Souid's allegations.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has been accused of misconduct by player agent Sonia Souid, who has joined mounting calls for him to stand down.

Souid claimed Le Graet's conduct towards her indicated he considered her as "two breasts and an ass", but she doubts he will give up office.

France's sports minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, has called for new leadership at the FFF, and French Amateur Football Association (AFFA) president Eric Thomas also says the time has come for Le Graet to go.

Souid's allegations against Le Graet concern a period from 2013 to 2017, when she claims the now 81-year-old took advantage of his power.

She told French broadcaster RMC of agreeing to meet with Le Graet at his home on one occasion.

"During this meeting, he told me clearly that if we were closer, my ideas would materialise," she said. "In any case, he would be much more motivated to help me in this meaning.

"And there in fact, I take a huge slap. Because I have my president of the French Football Federation who sees me... while I feel competent and legitimate because I have managed to do things even in difficulty, excuse me for the term, but my president sees me as two breasts and an ass in fact.

"I was disappointed by my president. For me, my president must be exemplary. And he was not."

She added: "I don't think he's brave enough to resign. Do I think he can stay at the helm of the FFF? Yes, he can. But should he? No. I honestly think he's had his time."

Stats Perform has asked the FFF for a response to the allegations made by Souid.

Le Graet apologised on Monday to being accused by Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane, following comments made once it was confirmed Didier Deschamps would be staying on as France head coach.

The FFF president had said he would not pick up the phone if former France playmaker and Ballon d'Or winner Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

Oudea-Castera said on Monday: "Our great players deserve better than what they have at the head of their federation."

AFFA president Thomas said the remarks about Zidane marked a tipping point. They came before the allegations from Souid.

Thomas said: "These comments towards Zinedine Zidane are inexcusable, inadmissible and irresponsible.

"A president of a federation should not say that. These speeches flout the values ​​of sport, that is why the AFFA demands the resignation of the president of the FFF.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has apologised after being accused by Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe was one of many to take aim at Le Graet over comments he made after it was confirmed Didier Deschamps is staying on as France head coach.

Le Graet said he did not care whether Zidane, who had been strongly tipped to succeed Deschamps, ended up taking on another job.

The 81-year-old also said he would not pick up the phone if former midfielder Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

Many called for Le Graet to apologise, with Mbappe posting on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Madrid issued a statement on Monday criticising the "unfortunate comments".

Los Blancos also referenced previous remarks made by Le Graet regarding striker Karim Benzema, who recently announced his retirement from international duty.

Madrid's condemnation was swiftly followed by Le Graet releasing a statement of his own in which he attempted a U-turn.

"These awkward remarks created a misunderstanding," said Le Graet, who has been FFF president since June 2011.

"I'd like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he's become."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in May 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles across two spells in charge.

As a player, Zidane earned 108 caps for France and helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later.

The 50-year-old has also been touted as a candidate to take over as head coach of Brazil, while the United States are reported to have made an approach.

Kylian Mbappe has accused Noel Le Graet of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane after the French Football Federation president's dismissive response to suggestions the former Real Madrid coach could join Brazil.

On Saturday, it was announced Didier Deschamps had signed a new four-year contract as France head coach, allowing him to lead Les Bleus at a fourth World Cup in 2026.

Former France talisman Zidane had been linked with his country's top job on several occasions, including in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat against Argentina last month.

However, with that position set to be occupied for the foreseeable future, Zidane has been suggested as a potential candidate to succeed Tite as Brazil's head coach.

Asked about speculation linking Zidane with the Selecao on Sunday, Le Graet told RMC he did not "give a toss" where the 1998 World Cup winner went and added he would not answer the phone to the former midfielder.

Those comments attracted criticism from star player Mbappe, who wrote on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga titles across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu.