Rabiot’s candid take on Spain’s preparation may ruffle Deschamps

Adrien Rabiot’s frank assessment that Spain may have prepared better than France could put him at odds with manager Didier Deschamps as the French side gear up for their Nations League opener against Turkey on Friday in Izmit this week.

Rabiot, now one of the senior figures and a vice‑captain under Zinédine Zidane in the France squad, reflected on the World Cup (Coupe du monde) 2026 semi‑final loss to Spain.

"On Spain, it wasn’t a lack of quality, I’m convinced," he told reporters on Thursday. "In all humility we have no less quality, but they were better tactically and perhaps prepared this match more thoroughly."

He added, "Of all the teams we have faced these years, Spain is practically the only one that has put us in difficulty." "If we have to replay them, we must find the key – it is certainly a tactical point we need to work on. The collective and individual talent, we have," Rabiot continued.

Zinédine Zidane faces his first withdrawal before the Nations

Nations League showdown with Turkey

The midfielder was questioned ahead of the Nations League (Ligue des Nations) fixture in Izmit, where France will seek to bounce back after the semi‑final disappointment.

Following the Spain defeat, the Blues were thrashed 6‑4 by England in the World Cup third‑place match.

Zidane's France lose defender ahead of Nations League clash with Turkey

Such candid remarks are unlikely to sit comfortably with former coach Didier Deschamps, who has not publicly endorsed Rabiot’s analysis.