Zinedine Zidane earns early backing from France players

Zinedine Zidane has quickly won the confidence of the France squad after his first match in charge. The players responded positively to his calm presence, his trust in their judgement and the freedom he has given them on the pitch, signalling an encouraging start to his tenure.

The former Real Madrid coach began with a 1-0 victory away to Turkey. It was a demanding match, played on a difficult surface and affected by Kylian Mbappe leaving with an injury. France had only completed three-and-a-half training sessions under Zidane, yet he saw encouraging signs in the team’s high pressing and its ability to recover possession quickly.

Rayan Cherki, who plays for Manchester City, said the squad had wanted to mark Zidane’s arrival with a victory and viewed the result as a fitting reward for him. Estéban Lepaul, making his France debut, highlighted the responsibility Zidane gives his players and his willingness to let them make decisions themselves. Jules Koundé also noted the coach’s composure during the game, while Lepaul described him as attentive to defensive and attacking details without overloading the team with instructions. The match was not flawless, but Zidane’s approach has already created clear enthusiasm inside the France dressing room.