Zidane replaces Deschamps' calls with club visits

Zinédine Zidane wants to closely monitor players who could join France, even if they are injured or temporarily absent, whereas his predecessor Didier Deschamps favored phone calls. This contrast of methods reflects two visions of the relationship with the Bleus.

A direct and ambitious approach

According to L’Équipe, the new manager does not intend to multiply individual calls. He prefers to travel to clubs to observe training sessions, talk with the players and discuss with the staff. This regular visit aims to create a concrete closeness.

A permanent observation unit

Zidane and the members of his staff, including David Bettoni and Fabien Barthez, could thus form a true observation unit operating year‑round. It would monitor not only the already established internationals, but also the “potentially selectable” players.

This strategy resembles a club that watches several recruits before acting, thus providing continuous monitoring of the players’ physical condition, morale and tactical use.

The risk of a misinterpretation

The change of method can be surprising: an injured or sidelined player might initially perceive the lack of a call as a distancing. Zidane, however, wants the visit to the training centre to show his real commitment.

By going directly to the site, the manager hopes to obtain more precise information than a simple phone call could provide.

Challenges and ambitions for the Bleus

The challenge will be to maintain this presence with an enlarged group without giving the impression of favoring certain players. Zidane wants to turn the Bleus into a sort of club operating year‑round, even far from Clairefontaine.

The message is clear: the absent will never completely disappear from his view, because he intends to follow them wherever they are.