Zinedine Zidane focused on France victory as new era begins against Turkiye

Zinedine Zidane says he is feeling even more emotional than he did 32 years ago as he prepares to take charge of France for the first time.

The former Real Madrid manager will officially begin his reign on Friday, when France face hosts Turkiye in the opening round of the Nations League.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, as reported by French newspaper Le Figaro, Zidane said: “I may feel even more emotional. Thirty-two years? That was a long time ago. I feel enormous emotion at being here, in charge of the France team as a coach.”

Zidane has succeeded Didier Deschamps, who led France for 14 years, and acknowledged the attention surrounding the start of his tenure was inevitable.

“That is probably natural,” he said. “This is the period after 14 years of Didier [Deschamps], so it is something new. I have become the national team coach. People are talking about it, and that is logical. But the players are the protagonists, and I will remain in my role.”

The France legend also played down the focus on him as the leading figure at the beginning of a new chapter for the national side.

“It does not bother me. You simply have to accept things as they are,” Zidane said. “I am not looking for that, and I am not here for it. I will try to put something into practice. I want to win matches, and that is what matters most to me.”

Zidane was also asked what mark he wanted his team to leave in his first match. He rejected the idea of focusing on his own identity and instead stressed the need for immediate preparation.

“We will not talk about Zidane’s mark,” he said. “The important thing is that we are ready on Friday. We have had three training sessions, travelled and put certain things in place. We must be ready to face a competitive team with some very good players.”

The manager declined to reveal how Ousmane Dembele would be positioned against Turkiye.

“You will see tomorrow. We are not going to start by revealing what we will do. We will put certain things into practice,” he said.

Kylian Mbappe’s absence from the media activities at the beginning of Zidane’s tenure was also raised. Zidane said the captain was available despite a minor problem.

“The requirement is for a player and a coach to attend the news conference. Today it was Adrien Rabiot,” he said. “Kylian is fine. It is a minor issue, nothing serious. He will be ready tomorrow [Friday].”

Zidane added that he was satisfied with the balance of established players and newcomers in his squad.

“I am happy with what I see,” he said. “The aim was to have young players with us. The France team is open to everyone. We have a good, small group. Experienced players and young players, and it is going very well.”