Djorkaeff refuses the Blues' trip to Turkey despite Zidane's performance
On 15 November 2000, Zinédine Zidane delivered a memorable performance during France's 4-0 victory in Turkey, while Youri Djorkaeff, absent for political reasons, made front‑page headlines. The number 10 was going through a delicate period, marked by a red card against Hamburg with Juventus, an injury and transfer rumours.
Diplomatic context and Djorkaeff's absence
Djorkaeff, of Armenian origin through his mother, was at the centre of a dispute between France and Turkey over the recognition of the Armenian genocide. A few days before the match, the French Senate had debated and then passed a bill on the issue, making his absence politically sensitive.
Impact on the French squad
The team was also without Thierry Henry; Johan Micoud therefore started alongside Zidane in the attacking midfield. Roger Lemerre highlighted the technical importance of Zidane and Micoud, stating that the two players fit together perfectly. Micoud, scorer of the third goal, confirmed this harmony, which will remain unique under the blue shirt.
Zinédine Zidane regains confidence in Istanbul despite Juventus crisis
Before the match, Zidane's difficulties were known: on 24 October, he had been sent off for a head‑butt against Hamburg in the Champions League, then injured, missing the games against Cameroon and South Africa. Rumours about his future at Juventus (Juve) were already circulating, which Lemerre commented: “Juve is not doing well. So, he cannot go either.”
On the pitch, those problems vanished. Zidane was even applauded during the warm‑up, in an atmosphere less hostile than the one the French will experience nineteen years later in Konya. France quickly mastered Turkey thanks to David Trezeguet, Sylvain Wiltord, Johan Micoud and Laurent Robert.
France choose Izmit over Istanbul to face Turkey
This match now carries a particular flavour, as Zidane, now manager, is about to face Turkey again, 26 years after his Istanbul recital. The recent training sessions have already allowed the new manager to test several formations before this first meeting.