Raphael Varane Shares Insights on Zinedine Zidane's France Debut

Zinedine Zidane is set to make his debut as the head coach of the France national team this Friday when Les Bleus face Turkey. This marks the start of a new chapter for the team under the leadership of the legendary midfielder.

Varane Reflects on Zidane's Style

Raphael Varane, who played alongside Zidane at Real Madrid and won the World Cup with France in 2018, spoke to French outlet L'Equipe about what fans can expect from the new manager. His insights offer a glimpse into Zidane's approach behind the scenes.

Instinct at the Core

Varane immediately pointed to natural instinct as Zidane’s key trait. He said, "His greatest quality? I would say instinct. It is something he has in him, but it is also something he manages to detect in players so that they are liberated on the pitch and use their creativity."

A Blend of Creativity and Structure

While Zidane encourages players to express themselves freely, Varane stressed that the coach expects strong defensive discipline to keep the team organized. He added, "He ensures they feel comfortable. That is his major strength. His approach is about finding a balance. He wants attacking players to contribute defensively without compromising their attacking comfort. Once they have possession, he gives them freedom, relying on that instinct, that unpredictability."

First Test Against Turkey

The match against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League will offer the first real chance to see Zidane's vision in action. All eyes will be on the sidelines as he aims to instill his winning mentality and tactical ideas into the squad. A strong showing could signal a promising start for his tenure.

• Match: Turkey vs France
• Date & Time: 25 September 2026, 21:45
• Competition: UEFA Nations League