Zidane meets France squad at Clairefontaine as new era begins | OneFootball

Zidane met his France squad for the first time at Clairefontaine on Monday, opening a new era after 14 years under Didier Deschamps. A back-to-school mood marked day one.

According to Le Progres, Zidane and his staff arrived over the weekend to settle in, while anticipation grew among the call-ups. Younger figures like Rayan Cherki and Guillaume Restes, raised on 1998 highlights, were keen to work with him.

The 23 players, with late additions Jean Butez and Maghnes Akliouche replacing Robin Risser and Warren Zaïre-Emery, checked in mid-afternoon without show. Only FFF cameras captured the customary château steps as media were kept out, and on Friday Zidane had said the group would keep things in-house rather than make a fuss.

A team discussion preceded an open session for reporters. Zidane sketched his approach and said more detail would follow in the coming days, including on the four vice-captains who will support Kylian Mbappé.

He and assistant David Bettoni reached the Pibarot pitch early to help set up. Twelve players worked through light possession and technical drills as new goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez joined in, while Zidane encouraged, then laid off passes in a finishing exercise.

Jean Butez called the chance to learn under Zidane and Barthez special. Dayot Upamecano avoided comparisons with Deschamps, saying he still has plenty to learn at 27 and that Zidane’s technique stood out, while Maxence Lacroix noted two weeks and four matches to absorb the vision before serious work starts on Tuesday.

Source: Le Progres

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