Michel Preud’homme describes Zidane's move to Bruges
Michel Preud’homme, former coach of Club Brugge, welcomed in February 2015 the manager of the Bleus, Zinédine Zidane, as an intern in Bruges, while the club was preparing a Europa League play‑off against Aalborg, describing the Frenchman as “a quiet boy, but very attentive”.
When Vincent Mannaert, the general manager, announced his arrival, Preud’homme called the moment surprising and an honour. The staff was in the middle of preparing the duel against Aalborg, a decisive play‑off for the Europa League.
A technical team gathered around the intern
Zinédine Zidane, surrounded by Willy Sagnol, Claude Makélélé, Bernard Diomède and Eric Roy, was able to attend the preparation of a Club Brugge match. Frédéric, a member of the Bleus staff, was also present among the technicians.
The anecdote of the U19 team, briefly led by the young Zidane, did not leave a memory for Preud’homme, who was not present. However, the recall of the intern panel was recorded within the framework of Sports Football Red Devils, highlighting the link between the Belgian Red Devils and the French Bleus.
Vincent Mannaert puts Zinédine Zidane in charge of the Devils
Zidane, quiet but very attentive
The staff presented a video of their playing principles, animated by Philippe Clement, Preud’homme’s assistant. Zinédine was, as Preud’homme reminds, “quiet, but very attentive”, not asking many questions but clearly showing his interest.
Preud’homme then organised a training session followed by the intern and the technicians, explaining the analysis of the opponent. He detailed the strategy to put pressure on the left flank, before counter‑attacking the opposing team.
In the book “Coach Zidane” by Ronan Boscher, Guy Lacombe recounts that the internship in Bruges was the one where they learned the most. Preud’homme retains from Zidane a rare aura, stating “he exudes an aura that is rarely felt” when he entered the room.
This memory mixes the surprise of an official visit with the discretion of a future coach, showing how mutual respect marked those original few days. He emphasises that, even as an intern, Zidane left a lasting impression within the Belgian club.