Lizarazu reveals the hard work behind Zidane's genius
While the image of the new manager of the French national team rests on an almost supernatural ease, Bixente Lizarazu reminds that the same Zinedine Zidane is first and foremost a hard‑working and meticulous worker. The former full‑back points out that Zidane’s talent has long hidden his professionalism and his demanding nature.
An ease that hides a colossal effort
Zidane remains associated with a form of almost supernatural ease, his ball control, his technical gestures and his calm having forged the image of a genius guided solely by his instinct. Lizarazu asserts that this perception hides an essential dimension of the new manager’s personality.
"People often forget, as with most highly gifted individuals, that he is also, and above all, a hard worker, very professional, very conscientious and meticulous," says the former French full‑back in L’Équipe. These qualities, already present in the player, have become even stronger during his transition to the bench.
A humble and structured learning
Zidane did not set out to become Real Madrid’s head coach straight away; he first worked with the club’s youth, then as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti before taking charge of Castilla between 2014 and January 2016. Lizarazu sees this as proof of a genuine apprenticeship and a form of humility in his approach to the profession.
This meticulousness already appears in his first sessions with the French side: he imposes exercises limited to three touches of the ball to speed up circulation and force the players to think faster. David Bettoni also plays an important role in running the training sessions, while the manager oversees the details.
Natural authority and human proximity
Lizarazu describes a coach able to combine natural authority with great human closeness, creating a balance where the players feel valued while instantly knowing the limits. Keylor Navas had already highlighted Zidane’s ability to extract "200 %" from his players at Real Madrid.
The Costa Rican also recalled the care Zidane puts into studying opponents and tactical preparation. Thus, the player’s talent is only the most visible part of the figure, behind which lies a man who has methodically built his second career.