Zidane Signals New France Era With First Nations League Squad

Zinedine Zidane has begun his France reign by naming a 23-man squad for Nations League matches against Turkey, Belgium and Italy, immediately signalling a change from Didier Deschamps’ long-established methods.

The former Real Madrid coach officially succeeded Deschamps on July 28 and arrived at Clairefontaine on Monday to begin work with Les Bleus. His first selection was announced on a Friday rather than the customary Thursday, while the reduced squad is another clear departure from the 26-player groups regularly used during Deschamps’ 14 years in charge.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said Zidane has a defined plan for both the team’s football and its dressing-room management. He described the appointment as the opening of a genuinely new chapter, with Zidane prepared to move away from the previous regime rather than simply continue it.

Diallo pointed to the squad size and several unexpected selection decisions as early proof of that approach. Zidane has included players some observers did not anticipate, while leaving out others who had been expected to make the group. The FFF president believes the tighter selection reflects a coach who wants to use every player he calls up and reshape the way the squad operates.

The target, however, has not changed: France expect to win. Diallo said Zidane wants to repay the national side for the impact it had on him as both a player and a person, by bringing supporters pleasure, pride and trophies.

What happens next is Zidane’s first Nations League window, where his altered selection policy and tactical direction will receive their first test. France hope he can build on the platform left by Deschamps, keep the team among the leading sides at major tournaments and, crucially, turn deep runs into more titles.