Zidane Makes Perfect Start as France Coach with Two 1-0 Wins
Zinedine Zidane has made it two wins from two as France coach after Les Bleus followed their 1-0 victory in Turkey on 25 September with another 1-0 success in Belgium three days later.
What we know
- The 54-year-old is the first France manager to win his opening match since Aime Jacquet in 1994.
- Zidane’s first game ended in a 1-0 away win over Turkey, before France repeated that scoreline in Belgium.
- The former Real Madrid boss had viewed the France job as his priority after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, saying it was the role he wanted above all others.
- Thierry Henry, Zidane’s 1998 World Cup-winning France team-mate, said the new coach’s arrival carries exceptional weight because of his standing in football.
- Henry said younger France players have already shown their excitement at working under Zidane, while warning that results will remain the decisive measure.
- France are leading their Nations League group after the opening three matchdays.
France return home for Italy and Belgium
Zidane’s next test comes on Friday when France host Italy at the Stade de France.
Les Bleus then face Belgium again in Saint-Denis next Monday on matchday four. Two home fixtures give Zidane the chance to preserve his perfect start and strengthen France’s position at the top of the group.
