Zinédine Zidane plays down frenzy as ‘Zizoumania’ grips France | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane’s appointment as France head coach has triggered rock-star fervour at home and abroad, though he has kept the focus firmly on the job.

On 28 July, crowds packed the street outside FFF headquarters for his unveiling, the Irrésistibles Français in full voice. Nearly two months later, around his first squad announcement, he again mingled with fans in the 15th arrondissement with selfies and autographs, according to Le Progres. Such scenes are unprecedented for a France coach.

At the federation, closing the Didier Deschamps chapter has been met with fresh momentum. With such a figure and a high-ceiling squad, visibility is maximised, useful in sponsor talks and merchandising.

The set-up is also adapting. Unlike his predecessor, Zidane will have a personal bodyguard to preserve calm during public outings.

Players counted down the days to Clairefontaine. After Monday’s first session, words such as pleasure, pride and even fan were heard. Adrien Rabiot acknowledged the coach’s vast aura and said he tries to step back so the players take centre stage, while admitting that will be difficult.

Zidane said he accepts the situation but stressed he is not there for the attention, only to work with his players and win matches.

Attention is strong in Izmit too, where Türkiye face France on Friday. The presence of the former Ballon d’Or winner has elevated the occasion, while a large Turkish media turnout and a flurry of camera flashes at the pre-match press conference showed his enduring pull.

Source: Le Progres

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