Zinedine Zidane sets out France plan focused on possession, balance and winning

Zinedine Zidane says France will seek to control matches through possession and a clear identity after naming his first 23-man squad as the team’s new manager.

The former Real Madrid coach included several uncapped players in his selection, including Guillaume Restes, Jeremy Jacquet and Lucas Da Cunha. He also recalled players who had been away from the national team for several years.

Adrien Truffert is back after his only senior France appearance in September 2022, while Eduardo Camavinga returns after missing the 2026 World Cup.

The squad announcement attracted considerable attention, but Zidane admitted during an interview with the television programme Telefoot that making his first selection had been difficult.

“It is complicated. You know very well that some people will be happy and others will be disappointed,” Zidane said, in comments reported by Foot Mercato.

“But I take responsibility for my decisions; that is part of my job. It is not comfortable at all. That is why I do not name a squad of 23 or 24 players, because I do not want players sitting in the stands. When I make my decisions, I choose players who must be ready.”

One of the notable decisions was the inclusion of Andy Diouf, whom Zidane intends to use in a different position from the one he usually occupies for Inter Milan.

“It is a decision I take responsibility for, and it is a strong choice because he does not play in that position for his club,” Zidane said. “But we will work to put him in the best conditions.”

Zidane also addressed France’s options at wing-back, an area he said had long created difficulties despite the team having good players available.

“Have I thought about wing-backs? It is something I have always considered, because we always have problems in that area, even though we have always had good players,” he said. “But today, that problem has become less significant.”

The new France manager wants his side to impose its style rather than simply react to opponents.

“You will see. There will be changes,” Zidane said. “I want a team that plays football, decides to impose its style and takes control of matches. When we do not have the ball, we must be balanced. But what will motivate me is making this team play good football.”

Zidane acknowledged the expectations that come with leading France and said his priority was clear: continuing to win.

“I know what the fans want to see: they want to keep watching the France team win matches,” he said. “I am competitive and I am here to win. That is what I want to pass on to my players. This is my only objective. I have four years and I will give everything I can.”

He added: “We will talk to you about the Euros and the World Cup. For me, it starts on Monday. From the beginning of the camp, I will have only one objective: winning my first match in Turkey.”