Kocaeli pitch worries the Blues ahead of Turkey‑France clash

The Blues trained on the pitch of Kocaeli stadium, described as « greasy, high » and « in poor condition » by L’Équipe, on the eve of the first Nations League match against Turkey, where Zinedine Zidane will make his debut on the bench.

A pitch described as complicated

During the press conference, the French manager described the surface as « complicated », insisting that it should not be seen as an excuse.

The France team will have to adapt to these conditions, especially since the players are accustomed to surfaces he likens to billiard tables cut with scissors every weekend.

Deschamps rejects Turkish offer linked to Blues, decision already known

The Blues have already carried out at least one training session on this apparently difficult turf in order to acclimatise further.

This Friday evening, the Turkish crowd, still bitter after the failed World Cup, should cheer their team with intensity, adding extra pressure on the new protégés of Zizou.

This context constitutes a real entry test for France, which will have to prove the ability of France to play despite an unfavourable pitch.