Zidane Assumes Control of Les Bleus
Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the manager of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The transition follows a period of negotiation that began in February 2025, concluding a 14-year tenure under Deschamps. Zidane, who has been out of senior management for five years since his departure from Real Madrid, officially begins his four-year term next month.
Tactical Continuity and Expectations
Zidane has signaled a strategy of "continuation" while maintaining an intent to implement personal adjustments. Key tactical observations include:
- Attacking Philosophy: Zidane emphasized a focus on goal-scoring, suggesting a retention of the creative freedom utilized by Michael Olise in recent fixtures.
- Pragmatism: Despite the shift in leadership, analysts note shared traits between Zidane and Deschamps, specifically regarding pragmatic defensive structures and a laissez-faire approach to attacking transitions.
- Squad Management: Zidane’s primary challenge lies in managing a high-profile attacking core, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué. His ability to command respect in the dressing room is cited as a primary asset for integrating these individual talents.
Operational Timeline
The transition period will be compressed, with the full coaching staff to be announced in the coming weeks. The squad faces an immediate test in the upcoming international break, which includes four Nations League fixtures:
- Match 1: Away vs. Turkey
- Matches 2-3: vs. Belgium
- Match 4: vs. Italy (Stade de France)
The fixture against Italy serves as the formal home debut for the new managerial era. While Zidane has acknowledged the unique challenges of international management compared to club football, he enters the role with significant public and player support.
