Zinedine Zidane sparks a small revolution at the top of France's team

Christophe Dugarry is doubly happy as the French national team enters a new era, his great friend Zinedine Zidane now at the helm of the Bleus. He adds that the Didier Deschamps chapter, which he cordially despises, is finally closed. Interviewed on Friday on Apolline Matin's microphone on RMC, the pundit immediately spoke of “a small revolution.”

A vision influenced by Spain

According to Dugarry, Zidane's desire to break with his predecessor's principles is evident from his first call‑up, driven by very strong football convictions and a sensitivity shaped by Spanish culture. He promises to make the tricolour supporters vibrate in the years to come.

Dugarry observes a Zidane who is constantly smiling and describes him as a “life and career choice.” He says this attitude reflects the personal commitment of the new manager.

Since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, the 1998 World Cup champion has consistently turned down dozens upon dozens of club offers in order to keep his absolute priority on the national team.

Bold tactical choices

On the pitch, the break with the previous era is already embodied through “very strong choices,” notably the repositioning of Kylian Mbappé to the left wing and the deployment of Rayan Cherki in a three‑man midfield to inject more technicality. Dugarry calls for a bit of patience before judging Zidane’s definitive style.

This metamorphosis is accompanied by a “massive turnover” within the squad: the departures of Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne have made way for many youngsters who have never played for the French national team.

Acknowledging that the work on the full‑backs remains a priority, Dugarry concludes that the new boss of the Bleus must prove he is a great manager in an extremely difficult challenge where he will be especially scrutinised.

“Before we see Zidane’s style, we’ll still give him a few weeks and months to put things in place,” he warned.