Female Coach Set For First Match In Charge Of Men's Side

In June, Corinne Diacre was appointed by French second division side Clermont Foot to replace Helena Costa after her abrupt resignation (which took place a day before she was to take charge of training).

Upon her exit, Costa stated that she left her position with Clermont because male colleagues sidelined her (signed players without her consultation) and used her as a “face” to attract publicity.

Prior to the appointment of Costa, the highest-profile female coach of a men’s side in Europe was Carolina Morace, who in charge of the Italian Serie C 1 team Viterbese for two matches in 1999.

Fast forward to today, Corinne Diacre will become the first woman to manage a high profile men’s football team when her side takes on fellow-second division club Brest.

The 40-year-old manager believes that all of the media interest surrounding her first match in charge is excessive.

“I think all this interest is over the top with regards to my presence,” Diacre said. “What I’d like for us to concentrate on Clermont.”

Diacre is a former France international defender and also spent time as an assistant coach with the women’s national team. Prior to her appointment with Clermont, she was manager of the French D2 Feminine side ASJ Soyaux for four seasons.

In a video press conference on Clermont Foot’s website, Diacre elaborated on her thoughts prior to leading her side out for their first match of the season.

“There is serenity. There will be some excitement but I’m trying not to get polluted by that,” Diacre stated

“I’m trying to maintain my focus as much as possible and to stay as much in the shadows as possible because what interests me is that my players take the limelight, not me.”