Adrien Rabiot’s late warm-up raises questions during Zinedine Zidane’s France tenure

Adrien Rabiot’s slow preparation before coming on against Belgium caused tension within Zinedine Zidane’s France coaching staff, despite the AC Milan midfielder helping create the final goal in a 4-1 victory.

Rabiot, 31, entered the match as a late substitute for Eduardo Camavinga in the 88th minute. The midfielder had started France’s earlier games against Turkey, which ended 1-0, and Italy, a 1-1 draw, but began Monday’s match against Belgium on the bench.

According to RMC commentator Jean-Louis Toure, Rabiot’s delayed warm-up surprised members of the coaching team.

“His warm-up was extremely slow. He was not even wearing his trainers, which surprised the France coaching staff because they did not understand why he was taking so long to warm up,” Toure said on RMC’s After Foot programme.

Rabiot came on shortly before Michael Olise scored France’s third goal. He then played a significant part in the move that produced the fourth.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille midfielder passed to Rayan Cherki on the right side of midfield before moving forward to create space for him. Cherki, a former Lyon player, then delivered a fine cross to Desire Doue, who laid the ball back to Olise.

Olise completed his second goal of the match in the 91st minute to make it 4-1.

At the final whistle, Rabiot was the first player greeted by Zidane on the touchline. However, his brief appearance failed to convince Daniel Riolo, another After Foot commentator, that the midfielder should remain part of the France squad.

“We need to turn the page on Rabiot, put Da Cunha in midfield and keep Camavinga in this team,” Riolo said.

Riolo had also criticised Rabiot after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy, questioning what the player had contributed in midfield.

“In midfield, I do not see what he adds to the team. I want a player who is more energetic and more capable of changing the tempo. I prefer Camavinga and Manu Kone,” he said.

Rabiot had been one of France’s key players under Didier Deschamps and was included in the squad for Zidane’s first international break in charge. He started against both Turkey and Italy before being restricted to a late role against Belgium.