Zidane Set for France Managerial Debut Against Turkey
Zinedine Zidane is set for his first match in charge of France when Les Bleus face Turkey on Friday, with the former World Cup winner preparing to begin his international coaching career from the touchline.
Key takeaways
- Zidane will take charge of France for the first time against Turkey on Friday.
- Former France team-mate Bixente Lizarazu has highlighted Zidane’s rigorous and professional approach.
- Zidane has been praised for detailed preparation rather than relying solely on his natural football talent.
- At Clairefontaine, he personally greeted and congratulated every player following a training session.
- The new France coach is aiming to open his reign with a win.
Zidane’s detail and discipline under the spotlight
Lizarazu believes Zidane’s coaching success has been built on far more than the ability that made him one of football’s defining players. The former Real Madrid manager is known publicly for his talent, but his former France colleague says hard work, precision and professionalism have been equally important.
“Zizou is mainly known and celebrated for his extraordinary talent,” Lizarazu said. “But people can overlook the fact that, like many gifted people, he is first and foremost a worker: extremely professional, committed and meticulous.”
That attention to detail will now be tested in the France job, beginning with Turkey. Zidane’s first selection, tactical plan and in-game decisions will all come under immediate scrutiny as he seeks a positive opening result.
Clairefontaine gesture shows Zidane’s player focus
Lizarazu also pointed to Zidane’s handling of the squad at the Clairefontaine training centre, where the coach went around the group after a session to congratulate and shake hands with each player.
For Lizarazu, the moment reflected Zidane’s increased focus on personal relationships and his willingness to understand the people around him as closely as the football itself.
“Seeing him congratulate every player and shake each hand after training at Clairefontaine showed the importance he gives to others,” Lizarazu said. “That meticulous side is clearly part of him now, through his wish to learn and to take a real interest in subjects and people. He has developed that strongly after retiring as a player, even though his shyness and humility meant it did not come naturally.”
France now move towards Friday’s meeting with Turkey, where Zidane will look to turn that preparation and player connection into an immediate winning start.
