Tigana on shortlist to become France coach

The Fulham coach, Jean Tigana, is on the shortlist to become the new coach of France as Roger Lemerre faces the sack. Tigana is the preferred choice of his close friend and former team-mate Michel Platini, one of the selectors involved. Platini would like to tempt Tigana from Craven Cottage, where the arrival of Franco Baresi has diminished his control of the team and transfer activities.

The alternatives are Alain Giresse, coach of the Moroccan side Rabat and the third member of the famous French midfield that included Platini and Tigana, and the Lyon coach Jacques Santini.

Tigana, who has always been an independent thinker, may yet be too strong a personality for the French federation. He walked out of Monaco at their peak to become an agent before being tempted to Fulham.