Zinedine Zidane Assumes Command of France: Unlocking the Potential of Les Bleus

For the first time in 14 years, the French national team will feature a new face on the touchline when they take on Turkey this Friday.

Zinedine Zidane has officially succeeded Didier Deschamps following France’s fourth-place finish at the World Cup. However, his appointment was an open secret well before Les Bleus suffered a defeat to England in the third-place play-off.

Discussions between the former Real Madrid manager and French football authorities commenced as early as February 2025. This followed an announcement by Zidane’s former teammate, Deschamps, who revealed weeks prior that he would step down after the 2026 World Cup.

During his unveiling in Paris, Zidane emphasized the extensive time he spent waiting on the sidelines and meticulously preparing for this exact role.

“I received several offers over the last four or five years, but I turned them all down,” an emotional Zidane stated. “The national team was the only thing I truly wanted.”

While his enthusiasm for the position dominated his inaugural press conference in the French capital, the midfield legend provided supporters with few clues regarding his tactical approach.

He even sidestepped a question concerning Kylian Mbappe’s captaincy, stating, “The most important thing for him right now is to rest. We will have the opportunity to speak in September.”

Speaking to the Spanish publication AS, Mbappe later remarked that having the former Real Madrid icon as his national team coach felt “like a film.”

When questioned about his preferred style of play, Zidane chose to withhold tactical specifics.

“I cannot explain in a few words how we are going to win,” he explained. “I need to arrive, meet with the players, and communicate my plans to them. After that, it will be my responsibility to keep this team winning.”

Nevertheless, Zidane confirmed his intention “to do things differently” by calling up five uncapped players for the current international break.

He also indicated that there would be a degree of “continuation” from the work of his predecessor, ensuring he praised Deschamps’ contributions.

“I am going to try to do what I know best, but it will not be a complete break either.”

Ultimately, what will Zidane bring to the French dugout?

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