Henri Michel, architect of France’s famous World Cup win over Brazil, dies aged 70
The ex-international led Les Bleus to the 1984 Olympic title and to the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup
Former France football coach Henri Michel, who led Les Bleus to the 1984 Olympic title, has died at the age of 70, the French players’ union announced on Tuesday.
“Henri Michel, a colossus of French football, left us this morning,” the UNFP wrote on Twitter, adding their “sincere condolences to his family and friends”.
Born in Aix-en-Provence, Michel played in midfield for Nantes and earned 58 international caps between 1967 and 1980. He was a three-time winner of the French league title.
He took over France’s Olympic men’s squad in 1982, guiding them to the ‘84 gold medal in Los Angeles where they beat Brazil in the final.
Michel then took over a France team containing Michel Platini who had just won the European Championships under the management of Michel Hidalgo.
“Aside from his extensive career Henri was an exceptional man,” said Platini, who played alongside Michel for the national team between 1976 and 1980.