Tuesday 1 July 2014 09:57, UK
New Clermont Foot manager and former France captain Corinne Diacre insists she is calm with her new role after replacing Helena Costa.
Costa became the first female coach of a professional men's club in the top two tiers of any European league last month, but the 36-year-old resigned on Monday, accusing the club of "amateurism" and "a lack of respect" and claiming players had been signed without her knowledge.
But former France captain Diacre has described her feelings after her first training session at the Ligue 2 club and played down the controversy surrounding the exit of her predecessor.
The 39-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal, said: "I am under pressure permanently, I am meticulous. I like competition but knowing that I don't put more pressure on my shoulders for this reason.
"I know my role will be viewed differently from that of my male colleagues but I know why I'm here and I've got my priorities clearly sorted.
"I found the players pretty excited, they were smiling this morning. As with the staff and the President, what seemed to me important is the fact they looked at me straight into the eyes, they weren't avoiding my gaze. I liked it."
Diacre made 121 appearances as a defender for France between 1993 and 2005, while her coaching career has seen her manage her former club Soyaux since 2010 as well as taking up a role as assistant boss with the national side for the last seven years.
On replacing Costa, Diacre added: "I am Clermont soccer's coach. What happened before my arrival, I followed it very vaguely through the media.
"I have no judgment to give on this issue, today my mission is to lead the Clermont Foot with all the prerogatives and new things that go with it, but my role will be on the pitch essentially. I will do the best I can to do my job, which is on the pitch."
