Zinédine Zidane to become France head coach on Tuesday | OneFootball

According to Le Progres, Zinédine Zidane will be named France head coach on Tuesday, with an 11:00 announcement at the French Football Federation.

The 54-year-old returns to the national set-up with Real Madrid credentials, including three Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.

His France story halted on nine July 2006, the World Cup final night he left the pitch early after headbutting Marco Materazzi. He now comes back to succeed Didier Deschamps.

Zidane has waited since 2021, quietly, and his Real spells from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 shaped a pragmatic streak influenced by Lippi, Del Bosque and Mourinho. He often noted he was no magician during a rocky run in 2016.

Guy Lacombe, who launched him at Cannes and later oversaw his coaching diploma, felt his coaching instincts were evident early. Zidane also worked on media skills, even requesting post-match duties while leading Castilla.

Lacombe also places him close to Carlo Ancelotti’s approach, notably in player relations. Despite his No 10 past, balance mattered, with Casemiro’s screening role central in Madrid.

The task is formidable, to match or better Deschamps’ 14-year tenure that delivered the 2018 World Cup. After a 6-4 defeat by England in his last match, Deschamps said he would become a silent supporter.

Style will be watched too. With Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise among the options, Hugo Ekitike and Rayan Cherki could also emerge under Zidane if selected.

Source: Le Progres