As announced by Philippe Diallo, the president of the FFF, Zinédine Zidane will be officially appointed head of the France team by the end of July. After fourteen years under the orders of Didier Deschamps, the 1998 world champion will inherit a group which remains in five semi-finals during the last six major tournaments, but which remains in search of a coronation since 2021 (in the Nations League). A considerable sporting heritage, but also tactical, since the Blues have found in recent months a new balance in 4-2-3-1 with Michael Olise in a number 10 role.
And if the first information about his staff has fallen, clues have now emerged concerning the desires of the French legend on the style of play. According to The Teamthe former Real Madrid coach would be in favor of keeping Olise in a number 10 position, an idea he had already shared for several months. The main change could concern Kylian Mbappé more. If Didier Deschamps and Carlo Ancelotti have convinced him to play in the center, the future coach will have to decide between a number 9 role or a repositioning on one side, a choice which should be mentioned at the first meeting of the season.
Zinedine Zidane already works with Kylian Mbappé
Behind the scenes, Zidane and Mbappé have already taken care to prepare their future collaboration. The two men, who have had a fluid relationship for several years, deliberately avoided any public exposure during the World Cup so as not to upset the Blues. The technician tried to contact the man who will be his future captain on several occasions, without increasing the number of exchanges, with the common desire to preserve preparation for the World Cup. Based in Madrid, Zidane will also be able to maintain regular contact with the Real Madrid striker throughout the season.
Zidane’s main challenge will therefore not be so much tactical as managerial. As when he arrived at Real Madrid in 2016, where he mainly transformed his team thanks to his human management, the Frenchman should focus on continuity. Zidane could change the hierarchy within the group and adapt his animation according to the available profiles, particularly in midfield. Without upsetting the foundations laid by Didier Deschamps, the three-time winner of the Champions League with the Merengues will seek to develop the Blues by relying on a core of executives already installed, while gradually imposing his own vision.
