RismadarVoice Reporters
September 24, 2026
Zinedine Zidane has admitted feeling “immense emotion” as he prepares to take charge of France for the first time against Turkey in the Nations League on Friday.
The 54-year-old former France captain succeeded Didier Deschamps, ending the latter’s 14-year tenure in charge of the national team.
Zidane will begin his reign away to Turkey in Kocaeli before France travel to Belgium on Monday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Zidane was asked whether the emotions surrounding his managerial debut were comparable to those he experienced when he first played for France 32 years ago.
“Maybe even more, actually,” Zidane said.
“It was a long time ago, and today I feel an immense emotion at being here in charge of this France team.”
The former Real Madrid manager’s appointment has generated considerable attention in France, but Zidane insisted the focus should remain on his players.
“It’s the next step after Didier’s 14 years. It’s something new, so it’s completely normal. But the main protagonists are the players,” he said.
“I’m going to try to do the job with my players, to make sure we can win matches — that’s what interests me.”
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said Zidane had sought to shield the squad from the heightened attention surrounding his arrival.
Rabiot acknowledged Zidane’s standing in French football and said the players understood the expectations accompanying his appointment.
“We’re fully aware of how important he’s been for French football. His aura means he takes up a lot of space and people expect a lot from him,” Rabiot said
The midfielder, one of France’s captains alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde, said changes were already evident in personnel, training methods and tactical approach.
“What the coach wants is obviously a fairly attacking style of play,” he said.
Rabiot added that the team expected increased scrutiny as Zidane begins his tenure.
“We’ll be very closely watched for how we play because the coach is new and a lot is expected from him,” he said.
After Friday’s encounter with Turkey, France will face Belgium away on Monday before Zidane takes charge of his first home match against Italy next Friday.
