Zinedine Zidane is set to usher in a new era for French football as he manages the national team for the first time this Friday in a UEFA Nations League match against Turkey. The 54-year-old football legend succeeds Didier Deschamps with ending his historic 14-year tenure.
Zidane previously led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, expressed deep emotion about his appointment. "I have been waiting four or five years for this day. This is huge for me" he said. Moving away from Deschamps' pragmatic approach, Zidane promises a more attack-minded with attractive brand of football also aiming to maximize the squad's immense talent.
Kylian Mbappe will retain the captain's armband. The superstar forward expressed his excitement, calling the opportunity to play under his childhood idol "like something out of a movie." Mbappe fondly recalled Zidane inviting him to Real Madrid’s training facility when he was just 13 also adding that this managerial change will be a positive and fresh experience for the current generation.
Zidane’s debut squad introduces new faces like Jeremy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul while regulars like William Saliba and Aurelien Tchouameni miss out due to injuries. He will be supported by assistant coach David Bettoni and former teammate Fabien Barthez as the goalkeeping coach.
While Zidane's ultimate goals are Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, his immediate focus is navigating the Nations League. Following away fixtures against Turkey and Belgium, Zidane will make his highly anticipated home debut at the Stade de France against Italy on October 2.
