Vjekoslav Kobescak, the decorated Croatian coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national team, replacing Florian Bruzzo.
Kobescak, who has been the head coach of Jug since 2015 (previously coaching Mladost), will continue to lead the Dubrovnik-based team.
This marks Kobescak’s return to the French national team, as he was part of the coaching staff from 2021 to 2024, serving as Bruzzo’s assistant and advisor. He will guide France during the European Championships in Belgrade (January 10 – 25). Following the tournament in Serbia, Kobescak and the French Swimming Federation will negotiate the possibility of extending his contract.
France will play against Hungary, Montenegro and Malta in Group Phase 1 of the Europeans in Belgrade.
As a player, Kobescak won an Olympic silver medal in 1996. He has won 13 trophies coaching Jug, including the 2016 Champions League, the 2016 European Super Cup, and the 2024 Euro Cup. He also served as an assistant coach for the Croatian national team from 2009 to 2012, during which the Croats won several medals and became Olympic champions in 2012.
In addition, the French Swimming Federation has appointed Lorene Derenty as the new head coach of the female national team. Derenty was a goalkeeper for the French national team from 2013 to 2020 and served as the assistant coach from 2023 to 2024.
More articles about the European Championships
