Gérald Baticle takes over from Thierry Henry as the new coach of the Bleuets

He was part of the Olympic adventure. Present on the bench of the French team as assistant coach this summer during the Paris Olympic Games, Gérald Baticle will now take the reins of the French espoir team. The 54-year-old from Amiens was chosen by the French Football Federation (FFF) at the end of the executive committee meeting on Friday, August 23. His contract extends until July 2025, after the Euro U21 which will be held in Slovakia.

As with the French women’s team, where Laurent Bonadei was appointed, the federation chose a person who already knows the squad well.It was important to appoint a coach who would continue the work done by Thierry Henry at the head of the Bleuets. Gérald Baticle, his assistant, was the natural solution to take up the torch. His experience as a coach and his knowledge of French football are major assets to guide our young talents towards success.“, explained the president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, in a press release.

A former player of Auxerre, Strasbourg and Metz, Gérald Baticle already has experience as a head coach. After ten years as assistant at Olympique Lyonnais (2011-2021), he took charge of SCO d’Angers during the 2021-2022 season. The former striker says he “Very honored to have been appointed coach of the French Espoirs team“and thanks the federation for entrusting him with this”important mission“. “I would like to salute Thierry Henry, who trusted me as his deputy. I am continuing the work we have accomplished together.” he added.

Gérald Baticle will start with the Bleuets with two qualifying matches for the Euro U21, against Slovenia on September 6 in Angers, and against Bosnia-Herzegovina on September 10 in Le Mans. His first list of players will be revealed on Thursday, August 29.