Raphael Varane Says Instinct Will Define Zidane’s France Reign
Zinedine Zidane will take charge of France for the first time on Friday when Les Bleus face Turkey, opening a new chapter for the 2018 World Cup winners.
Varane identifies Zidane’s key strength
Raphael Varane, who worked closely with Zidane during their Real Madrid years, believes instinct sits at the centre of the new France coach’s approach.
- Varane said Zidane’s biggest asset is his instinct.
- He believes the former midfielder can recognise that same quality in his players.
- The defender said Zidane uses it to help footballers play with greater freedom and express their creativity.
“His greatest quality? I would say instinct,” Varane said. “It is something he has in him, but it is also something he manages to detect in players so that they are liberated on the pitch and use their creativity.”
Freedom in possession, demands without the ball
Varane insisted Zidane’s teams are not simply given licence to attack without responsibility. The former France centre-back said his old Madrid manager looks for balance, requiring attacking players to contribute when the side is defending.
“He ensures they feel comfortable,” Varane said. “That is his major strength. His approach is primarily about finding a balance. He wants attacking players to contribute defensively, but without compromising their comfort when attacking.”
Once his team has the ball, Zidane is prepared to allow players room to improvise, with unpredictability and individual instinct expected to be key parts of his game plan.
What happens next
Friday’s meeting with Turkey will offer the first on-pitch indication of how Zidane intends to shape France. Attention will be on whether his new side can combine the defensive discipline described by Varane with the attacking freedom that defined many of his Real Madrid teams.
