Lemerre - his position looks less than safe (Allsport)

By Isabelle Rondeau, PA International, Paris

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Who will succeed Roger Lemerre?

That is the saga the French already find themselves living for want of anything better during the World Cup.

A month ago, who could have predicted that France, on top of the football for four years, might be pondering who their new leader would be?

French fans are disillusioned.

Bad luck, injuries and above all the lack of unity proved fatal for Zinedine Zidane and Co in the World Cup as they suffered the embarrassment of a shameful first round exit.

They did not score against Senegal, Denmark and Uruguay.

Their single point came with the draw against the South Americans.

The decline was so swift that within hours Lemerre, a national hero since the Euro 2000 triumph two years ago, was fingered as the culprit.

Lemerre has refused to accept all of the blame.

But a manager with so many options in a talented squad surely could have deviated from his usual tactical choices once the playmaker Zidane fell foul of injury and striker Thierry Henry was sent off against Uruguay.

The Frenchman, who signed a two-year contract extension just a few weeks before flying to South Korea, has been hammered for using only one out-and-out striker during France's decisive clash against Denmark nine days ago.

On his return to Paris, he was asked to attend an exceptional meeting at the French Football Federation where it was decided that the coach would have until July 5 to decide whether he wants to see out the remainder of his deal, which expires in June 2004.

Lemerre, a man known for his pride and honour, is expected to resign.

FFF president Claude Simonet concedes he is actively thinking about his replacement.

"Right now the situation is very confusing," Simonet said, "we are looking for someone who is competent, makes the right choices, gives good instruction, and sets up a tactical scheme.

He added: "Roger Lemerre does not consider himself guilty for what happened. He believes France's elimination is due to bad luck, injuries and feels that the players have not necessarily given their maximum."

So who will be appointed to take over such important responsibilities just two months before the start of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign should Lemerre go?

Liverpool's Gerard Houllier, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Fulham's Jean Tigana are the candidates currently in charge of English clubs.

France Under-21 boss Raymond Domenech, former France captain and current Monaco coach Didier Deschamps, former Japan boss Philippe Troussier, Alain Giresse, or even Jacques Santini who led Lyon to the French title in May before moving to sporting director have also been touted.

Simonet does not give much credence to the chances of recruiting those plying their trade in England.

"When I hear all these names (Houllier, Wenger or Tigana), considering that nothing has been decided yet, it really annoys me especially because it is impossible.

"All these people are contracted to important clubs and the breaking of such contracts would even endanger the French federation."

Deschamps, meanwhile, has insisted he is not ready yet to take up such responsibilities after only one-year's coaching experience at Monaco.

"I don't feel like coaching the French team, I am not asking for it," he said.

"At the moment I am fully concentrated on Monaco, this is the most important thing for me.

"I will maybe see in the future but this is definitely not on the agenda right now."

Domenech could be considered a logical choice as he is already coaching the possible French stars of the future with the Under-21 side.

As for Santini, the Lyon mastermind also appears to be a wise option as he could easily prised awy from his upstairs job with Les Gones.

Troussier, who is currently unemployed after quitting the Japan national side, has however made clear that taking charge of Les Bleus would be an offer impossible to refuse for him.

"The French team? No one has ever contacted me about that but of course that would be an offer which I would be unable to refuse," he said.

What does seem certain is that Simonet is likely to break with France's 10-year tradition of handing the job the assistant coach.

Houllier succeeded Michel Platini in 1992, Jacquet replaced Houllier at the end of 1993, while Lemerre took over from Jacquet in August 1998.

By July 5, anything can happen, even Lemerre deciding to hold on to his job after all.