At his unveiling press conference, newly appointed France head coach Zinedine Zidane touched on topics including future captain candidates, Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps.
On taking charge of the France national team
Zidane: “First of all, I want to pay my deepest respects and offer my support to all firefighters, as many families are going through difficult times. I also want to thank everyone for trusting me, thank the FFF Executive Committee with whom I held in-depth discussions this morning, and all staff at the French Football Federation for their hard work.”
"For me, today represents continuity and the fulfilment of a dream. Over the past four or five years, I have received many coaching offers from clubs, yet I turned down all of them for the France national team — this is the only job I have ever wanted. I grew up within the national team system, starting at youth level, progressing through every age group before pulling on the senior national team jersey. I will give everything I have to keep this team winning; that is my sole motivation."
On Didier Deschamps
Zidane: "I want to pay tribute to Didier and thank him for his outstanding work. I take this chance to say well done. A brand-new chapter is about to begin, yet our target remains unchanged: to win. Mr President, I will devote all my energy to this squad, and I cannot wait to officially start work."
Back in February 2025, you told the FFF president you knew how to win
Zidane: "This brings immense joy. I am delighted by everything that is happening to me. I cannot find better words to describe it. I am trying to hold back my emotions, as I feel so many things deep down. I am ready to embrace the challenge."
On your coaching style and inner feelings
Zidane: “Everyone will see my tactical philosophy soon, and we will host another press conference in September. I have huge passion for this sport. As a former number 10 player, my instinct is to score goals and attack. I lived in Spain for 25 years, and everyone knows what that means. I was the playmaker on the pitch during my playing career, and now I will guide the team with my experience.”
"Winning the title in 1998 was the greatest experience of my life, a triumph achieved alongside my brothers. I have waited for this day for the past four or five years. I am extremely emotional right now; it may not show on the surface, yet my heart is full of excitement. I feel incredibly happy."
On candidates for future team captain
Zidane: "I have not spoken with Kylian (Mbappé) yet. The most important thing for him at present is to get proper rest. We will soon have the opportunity to discuss these matters with him and all players come September."
Further thoughts on coaching philosophy
Zidane: "I cannot explain how we plan to win in just a few words. I have an exceptionally talented group of players at my disposal. Now I need to settle down, meet the players, lay out my tactical ideas and our future plans. Moving forward, my duty as head coach is to lead this team to continuous victories."
On his long-held ambition to manage France
Zidane: "I have always followed the France national team with the mindset of a future head coach, which is why I refused to take charge of any club previously. After leaving Real Madrid, the only team I wanted to manage was the national side. Didier remained in the job for the past three years, and I could have accepted other projects, but he announced his departure in January 2025. The day after hearing the news, I made up my mind to become the next head coach. I then met with the FFF president, and we successfully reached an agreement."
On facing tough opponents and upcoming preparations
Zidane: “It is not only Spain; they are an extremely difficult opponent. But my top priority is preparing for our opening fixture against Turkey. We have four matches scheduled in September, and we will have nearly three weeks to train together with the squad — that is fantastic preparation time.”
Message to Marseille supporters
Zidane: "Thank you for all your support. I have felt your backing throughout my entire career. Every time I visit this region, I can feel that passion, so I am truly grateful. I hope I can continue to inspire you. The France national team brings encouragement to people when they win, and I will do everything I can to sustain that momentum."
On the upcoming fixture against Italy
Zidane: "I have specially marked these four upcoming games on my calendar. Italy holds special meaning for me, I played there and made many friends, and I can speak Italian. I have prepared for these four matches for a very long time."
On what you can bring differently
Zidane: "Didier has his style, Laurent Blanc has his methods, and Zizou has his own philosophy. Les Bleus’ journey and performances up to now have been outstanding. Fans and I have shared wonderful moments, and everyone has every reason to be proud of the team. Adjustments will be made moving forward. I will focus on what I do best, maintaining continuity within the squad while ensuring France keeps winning matches."
On the disappointment of the defeat against Spain
Zidane: "There are no plans to speak with Didier for now, though I would be happy to. As for the game versus Spain? I fully understand it was a tough encounter; single-match defeats are inevitable. My tactical plans will not change. The immediate priority is preparing for my debut match in charge against Turkey."
On life after leaving Real Madrid
Zidane: “I have not been idle. I watched countless football matches, even more than I did when I managed Real Madrid. I followed every performance of the France national team comprehensively and observed many details.”
