Montella backs Zinedine Zidane to make strong France return

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella has praised Zinedine Zidane’s intelligence and leadership ahead of Friday’s Nations League meeting with France, which will mark the former Real Madrid manager’s first match in charge of the national side.

Turkey host France in Izmit in the opening round of the competition, with Zidane taking charge of France for the first time since being appointed.

“Zidane is extremely intelligent,” Montella told L’Equipe. “The fact that you are not coaching does not mean that you stop developing or following what is happening.”

Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, but Montella does not believe his extended absence from the dugout will count against him.

“When you are without a club, you can sometimes observe the international game better,” Montella added. “It can even be an advantage, because when you coach every season, you do not have much time to follow what is happening around you.”

The Turkey manager also highlighted the authority Zidane commands without needing to make a show of it.

“Zidane has great charisma without needing to display it,” he said.

“Players know that what he says is right. In managing players and champions, he has proved to be among the best at doing that.”

Friday’s fixture offers Montella an opportunity to respond to criticism in Turkey and secure a notable result against France in Zidane’s first game at the helm.

Turkey are looking to make a fresh start in the Nations League following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. They failed to reach the knockout stage despite recording a victory over the United States.

Their preparations for the France match have been affected by the absence of three prominent players: Kenan Yildiz, Hakan Calhanoglu and Mert Muldur.

The omissions leave Montella facing a difficult challenge against a France side beginning a new chapter under Zidane, who returns to the touchline after five years away from management.

Montella and Zidane have known each other for many years and have faced one another both during their playing careers and after moving into coaching. The Italian has expressed considerable respect for his French counterpart before their latest meeting.