Key Takeaways
- Zinedine Zidane began his tenure as France coach with a 1-0 win over Turkiye.
- Zidane introduced his own staff and training methods, emphasizing technique and history.
- Mbappe's knee injury may force him to leave the squad, according to Zidane.
Zinedine Zidane's first week as France coach saw him quickly establish his own routines and staff structure, setting a new tone for the national team.
On the training ground at Clairefontaine, Zidane walked onto the pitch with his boots, smiling at the waiting journalists, marking the start of a new era for the team.
During the training session, Zidane demonstrated technical exercises and provided passes for shooting practice, showing his continued mastery of the game.
He chose the Michel Platini pitch for the opening session, a nod to the legacy of the former France great, and later joined assistant David Bettoni to lead the drills.
Defender Dayot Upamecano expressed pride in training under Zidane, saying, “We were all fans of his when we were young, so it’s a pleasure, and I’m very happy to be able to learn from him.”
Goalkeeper Jean Butez, making his first call-up, echoed the sentiment, adding, “I imagine there couldn’t be a better first selection than with a staff like this.”
Zidane’s approach extended beyond the pitch, with a larger staff headed by long-time assistant Bettoni and former France team-mate Fabien Barthez, and a focus on the team’s history and links with younger age groups.
On the field, France secured a 1-0 victory over Turkiye in their first match under Zidane, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the winning goal in the 54th minute.
However, Mbappe’s knee injury, which caused him to leave the game five minutes later, raised concerns, as Zidane stated, “Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good. I think he’ll have to go back. We’re not going to take any risks. He has swelling in the knee. It’s not encouraging, so we’re not going to take any risks.”
The match marked the first win for a France coach since Aime Jacquet in 1994, with Zidane’s tactical approach proving effective despite the early setback.
We were all fans of his when we were young, so it’s a pleasure, and I’m very happy to be able to learn from him.
Dayot Upamecano, Defender
I imagine there couldn’t be a better first selection than with a staff like this.
Jean Butez, Goalkeeper
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good. I think he’ll have to go back. We’re not going to take any risks. He has swelling in the knee. It’s not encouraging, so we’re not going to take any risks.
Zinedine Zidane, France Coach
