Zinedine Zidane makes immediate changes on first day as France manager

Zinedine Zidane has wasted no time in putting his stamp on France after overseeing his first training session as manager on Monday.

The former France midfielder has introduced several changes to the routines established during Didier Deschamps’ tenure as the team prepare for their next four Nations League matches.

The start of a new chapter for France attracted considerable attention, with Zidane’s first appearance in charge closely watched inside the Clairefontaine training camp.

According to French publication Foot Mercato, the mood around the squad was positive and several players praised the opening session.

“We enjoyed it a lot,” said Dayot Upamecano after training. “Our focus was on settling in and welcoming the new players. We had an excellent session and I am very happy.”

The France defender added: “We have all been fans of Zidane since we were young, so it is a pleasure to learn from him. It is difficult to replicate Zidane’s control of the ball.”

Zidane’s changes have not been limited to work on the pitch. From his first hours in the job, he has also altered several details that had formed part of the national team’s routine in recent years.

The traditional welcome procession for players arriving at Clairefontaine has been discontinued. There has also been a change in the way injuries are handled, with injured players no longer required to report to the training centre for assessment by the France medical staff.

RMC Sport reported that communication is now conducted directly between the national team’s medical department and the clubs to which the players belong.

Another notable adjustment has been the use of the Michel Platini pitch at Clairefontaine, which had not been used regularly during Deschamps’ time in charge.

However, Zidane’s own involvement in training has attracted the most attention. Media present at the session observed him taking a direct role in preparing the work, including placing the cones and markers used for the exercises.

He also took part in some of the drills, explained them to the players and offered direct technical guidance. His approach suggested a desire to remain close to the squad from the outset.

That level of involvement recalls Zidane’s time at Real Madrid, when he would occasionally join in training matches at the end of sessions.

The new manager has therefore begun making his influence felt through small practical changes before his wider footballing plans become clearer in competitive matches.