France national team manager Zinedine Zidane has overseen consecutive victories to begin his tenure, securing twin 1-0 away wins against Turkey and Belgium to claim top spot in their UEFA Nations League group. The results mark an immediate tactical shift for Les Bleus following the departure of Didier Deschamps, injecting a modern, possession-heavy attacking style into the squad.
Zidane Secures Early Victories as France Leads Nations League Group
Zinedine Zidane’s managerial reign with the French national team opened with back-to-back 1-0 victories on the road in UEFA Nations League play. The results put Les Bleus at the summit of their group following away fixtures against Turkey and Belgium. Television ratings for the opening encounters climbed on TF1, drawing 6.39 million viewers compared to 4.3 million for an England-Spain fixture, and peaking at 7.4 million viewers during a goal by Olise. It is reported that Zidane earns a monthly salary of €300,000 while having waived his image rights, which would have added roughly €40,000 per match.
Tactical Overhaul and Squad Rotation Define Early Camp
In their second away fixture, Les Bleus maintained 65% possession while rotating nine out of ten outfield players from the previous starting lineup. Zidane integrated new selections into the squad, handing debuts simultaneously to Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf, and Jérémy Jacquet—the first time three players debuted at once since Laurent Blanc in 2010.
Players Praise Zidane for Tactical Freedom
Members of the French squad have highlighted the tactical freedom and player-centric management introduced by the coaching staff. Midfielder Manu Koné described Zidane as a approachable, sincere manager who provides detailed positioning advice while encouraging natural expression and team balance. Thierry Henry compared Zidane’s stature in the dressing room to mythical proportions while emphasizing that sustained results remain necessary to match the tenure of his predecessor. Meanwhile, AP reported that Koné expressed surprise at Zidane’s technical proficiency during training sessions, noting that the 54-year-old manager actively participated in drills by delivering accurate passes and crosses to a captivated squad.
Stade de France Welcome Against Italy Revives 2006 Memories
France prepares to face Italy at the Stade de France, marking Zidane’s managerial debut on home soil. The fixture carries historical resonance as it pits Les Bleus against the same opponent from the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, which served as Zidane’s final professional match as a player. That match ended with Zidane scoring a Panenka penalty before receiving a red card in extra time following an altercation with Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Reflecting on the incident ahead of the match, Zidane reiterated that he holds no regrets regarding the confrontation, describing it as part of his career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zidane’s Appointment
What are the financial terms of Zinedine Zidane’s contract with France? It is reported that Zidane earns a monthly salary of €300,000 while declining his image rights, which typically amounted to approximately €40,000 per match.
How many debutants has Zidane introduced to the national team? Zidane handed international debuts to three players simultaneously—Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf, and Jérémy Jacquet—during his opening matches, a feat not seen since Laurent Blanc in 2010.
What television viewership did France’s opening Nations League matches draw? TF1 broadcast coverage drew 6.39 million viewers, peaking at 7.4 million during Olise’s goal, which was above the average for matches in the previous edition of the competition.
