Zinedine Zidane confirms France coaching staff ahead of return to management

Zinedine Zidane has finalised the coaching team that will work alongside him during his return to management with France.

The French Football Federation has announced the staff appointed to support Zidane, who has taken charge of the national team after Didier Deschamps. His contract runs until the 2030 World Cup.

David Bettoni, Zidane’s former assistant at Real Madrid, will join the France set-up alongside Hamidou Msaidie. Gregory Dupont has been appointed to oversee the team’s physical preparation.

Stephane Blanc will work as France’s scout and opposition analyst, while Farid Taabt will combine the roles of assistant coach and data and video analyst. Clement Ibert completes the staff as an assistant video analyst.

Zidane’s first match as France manager will come against Turkey on 25 September in the Nations League. France will then face Belgium on 28 September before hosting Italy on 2 October in Zidane’s first game in charge on French soil.

The appointment marks Zidane’s return to coaching after he stepped away from the game following his departure from Real Madrid in 2021. He began his managerial career with Real Madrid Castilla before working as an assistant with the senior Real Madrid side.

Zidane subsequently served as Real Madrid’s head coach during two separate spells. His time in charge brought three Champions League titles, as well as two La Liga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.

He has also won the World’s Best Coach award twice.

Zidane succeeds Deschamps as France manager and will now begin preparations for his first fixtures with the national side, starting with the Nations League meeting with Turkey on 25 September.