Zinedine Zidane will lead France for the first time on Friday when Les Bleus open their Nations League campaign against Turkey in Kocaeli, beginning a new chapter after Didier Deschamps ended his 14 year spell as national team coach.
For Zidane, the occasion carries a strong personal significance. The 54 year old former France international admitted he felt an “immense emotion” before stepping into the technical area for the first time as coach of the national team he represented with distinction.
Zidane Feels the Weight of His First Match
Zidane compared the feeling with the emotions he experienced when he made his France debut 32 years ago. Asked whether the moment felt similar, he suggested that the occasion might be even more significant now.
“Maybe even more, actually,” Zidane said.
“It was a long time ago, and today I feel an immense emotion at being here in charge of this France team.”
His appointment came less than two months ago, but the attention surrounding his arrival has been immediate. French media closely followed his first week in the position, while interest intensified ahead of his first competitive fixture.
The attention has not been limited to France. Zidane's reputation has followed him to Turkey, where one journalist even asked him for an autograph during the pre match press conference.
Despite the attention, Zidane has made it clear that he does not want the spotlight to dominate his work.
Zidane Puts the Players First
The former Real Madrid manager repeatedly directed attention toward his squad rather than himself.
Zidane recognised that his appointment represented a significant change after Deschamps spent 14 years in charge, but he said the players would remain the central figures in the team's next phase.
“It’s the next step after Didier’s 14 years, it’s something new so it’s completely normal,” Zidane said.
“But the main protagonists are the players.”
Zidane also dismissed the idea that he had taken the job to enjoy the attention surrounding his name. His priority, he said, was preparing the squad and winning matches.
“I think you just have to accept the way things are done; I’m not looking for that and I’m not here for that,” he said.
“I’m going to try to do the job with my players, to make sure we can win matches. That’s what interests me.”
Rabiot Reveals Changes Under Zidane
Adrien Rabiot has already noticed differences in the way France are working under their new coach.
The midfielder said Zidane had tried to give the players space to express themselves rather than imposing himself on every aspect of the team.
“He is with us the way he is on the outside,” Rabiot said.
Rabiot also recognised the enormous reputation Zidane brings into the dressing room. As a former France star and World Cup winner, Zidane remains one of the most recognisable figures in French football.
“We’re fully aware of how important he’s been for French football,” Rabiot said.
“His aura means he takes up a lot of space and people expect a lot from him.”
That attention places additional pressure on Zidane as he begins his first competitive campaign with the national team.
France Prepare for a More Attacking Approach
Rabiot, who has been named one of France’s captains alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde, said several aspects of the team have already changed.
The midfielder pointed to different players, methods and training sessions since Zidane took over.
“Quite a few things have changed,” Rabiot said.
“Some players already, different ways of doing things and also different training sessions.”
One of the clearest changes concerns Zidane's approach to attacking football.
Rabiot said the new coach wants France to play with an attacking mindset, a shift that could become a defining feature of the team during Zidane's early months in charge.
“What the coach wants is obviously a fairly attacking style of play,” Rabiot said.
The change will be closely watched when France face Turkey. Zidane inherits a squad filled with established international players, but his tactical approach will be examined from the opening minutes of his first match.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Turkey Match
The first test comes away from home, adding another challenge to Zidane's opening fixture.
France will also face Belgium away on Monday before returning home for Zidane's first match in France. Italy will provide the opposition next Friday.
That schedule gives Zidane little time to settle into his new role before facing another demanding opponent.
Rabiot understands the level of attention surrounding the team and expects France's performances to receive close scrutiny.
“We’ll be very closely watched for how we play because the coach is new and a lot is expected from him,” he said.
For Zidane, the immediate focus is Turkey. His team selection, tactical instructions and response to the match will offer the first indication of how he intends to shape France.
A New Chapter for Zidane and France
More than three decades after making his France debut as a player, Zidane is returning to the international stage in a completely different role.
His playing career established him as one of the defining figures in French football. His managerial career at Real Madrid added another major chapter to his reputation. Now he faces the challenge of leading the national team and building his own identity after Deschamps' long tenure.
The emotion surrounding his appointment is clear, but the demands of international football leave little room for sentiment once the match begins.
Zidane's first task is Turkey. Belgium follows on Monday, while Italy awaits France in his first home fixture.
The new France coach has already made his priority clear: the attention belongs to the players, and the immediate objective is to win.
Can Zidane's attacking approach deliver a winning start against Turkey?