Zinedine Zidane steps back from the spotlight ahead of France‑Turkey
The day before the Blues' first Nations League match against Turkey, scheduled for 8:45 p.m., the press conference brought together the new manager Zinédine Zidane and midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who both discussed the coach's role and the team's expectations.
A conference under the spotlight
On the Thursday before the match, the traditional conference took place in Paris. Zinédine Zidane, 54 years old, unveiled his new manager outfit, succeeding Didier Deschamps after he led France for fourteen years. Adrien Rabiot, currently in talks with his club AC Milan about an extension, also answered journalists' questions.
The two men were asked about Zidane's standing relative to the players. Rabiot smiled and said that “it is, after all, a bit the case,” highlighting the aura of the new coach and the anticipation his name generates.
Zidane outlines his approach
The coach described “an immense emotion” at the thought of taking charge of the French national team, recalling his first match as a player thirty‑two years ago. He stressed that “the main protagonists are the players,” noting that he does not aim to be the centre of attention.
Zidane makes debut against Turkey in Nations League appearance
Zidane added that he accepts “the way things are done” and that he is not there to “seek that status.” His goal, in his words, is to do his job with the players in order to win the matches.
Rabiot highlights the changes
Rabiot said that the main objective remains to win, but that the Blues will be closely watched for their style because the coach is new. He listed the methodological differences: “different ways of doing things, different sessions, different ideas,” while reminding that the shared goal with Didier Deschamps is to represent France at the highest level.
The midfielder also mentioned the arrival of new players, different training sessions and a “fairly offensive” style of play. He recalled that he is one of the captains alongside Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Jules Koundé.
Zidane's France lose defender ahead of Nations League clash with Turkey
France will face Turkey in Kocaeli, then Belgium away on the following Monday, before the first home match against Italy on the subsequent Friday. These fixtures mark the start of an era where Zidane aims to step back from the spotlight to let the Blues express themselves fully.