Zinédine Zidane era begins as France assemble at Clairefontaine before Türkiye trip | OneFootball

France have convened at Clairefontaine for the first time under Zinédine Zidane, with tweaks to selection and routines ahead of the opening Nations League fixtures and a trip to Türkiye later this week.

Zidane named a 23 on Friday and confirmed Kylian Mbappé as captain, with changes to his predecessor’s choices and methods, Le Progres reports.

"Zizou first took me to Real Madrid’s training ground when I was 13 or 14. Now he is my manager, it feels like a film. We are starting a new phase in France," he told AS.

"There is no tension with Ousmane Dembélé over the Ballon d'Or," he told L'Équipe.

Zidane has ended the customary arrival parade, allowing only federation cameras to film and share those moments. He added there is no dress code. Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul was first in at about 15:00.

The squad train three times at Clairefontaine before flying on Thursday morning. Monday brought light work, Tuesday is open to fans and media with autographs from 18:45, and Wednesday morning is behind closed doors.

They will train at 19:00 on Thursday at Kocaeli Stadium, ahead of Türkiye v France on Friday at 20:45.

From the initial 23, Robin Risser withdrew and was replaced by Jean Butez on Sunday, while Warren Zaïre-Emery made way for Maghnès Akliouche on Monday.

Source: Le Progres

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