Zinedine Zidane explains missed French anthem moment on return as France manager

Zinedine Zidane said a protocol that began earlier than expected caused him to miss the start of France’s national anthem before his first match as manager.

Zidane was absent for the opening of “La Marseillaise” before France’s 1-0 win over Turkey, a moment which attracted attention as he returned to the national team set-up 20 years after his final appearance as a player.

Speaking at his news conference after the match, Zidane explained: “Unfortunately, yes. The protocol was faster than expected and I was slightly late setting off. I would have preferred to arrive from the beginning.”

The match in Turkey marked Zidane’s first game in charge of France and brought him back into the international spotlight two decades after he played in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

His victory was significant beyond providing a winning start to his managerial tenure. Zidane became the first France manager since Aime Jacquet to win his opening match in charge of the national team.

Jacquet began his time with France with a 1-0 victory against Italy in Naples on 16 February 1994. Youri Djorkaeff scored the only goal of that match.

Five managers led France between the start of Jacquet’s reign and Zidane’s appointment, but none managed to win their first game in charge. Zidane ended that sequence with a narrow victory over Turkey.