Successor to Didier Deschamps at the head of the Blues, Zinedine Zidane made a successful debut. Beyond the positive results during his first meeting (3 wins, 1 draw), “Zizou” has already made his mark. He established a system focused on ball possession, creativity and very intense high pressing. And it showed.
At his side, Zinedine Zidane was able to count on his friend and goalkeeper coach, Fabien Barthez. The latter quickly found his bearings and won over the French goalkeepers, notably Mike Maignan. What Bixente Lizarazu did not fail to underline.
“We talked a lot about Zizou, and obviously the other angle is Fabien Barthez. I observed him a lot in his behavior on the pitch and during warm-ups. There were a lot of discussions with Mike Maignan, and smiles”noted the former Bavarian in TĂ©lĂ©foot l’After.
“He’s really an important man for Zizou”
“I don’t know if he made a few jokes like he was capable of doing, but I felt he was very invested in this role, and in that of Zizou’s deputy, speaking in his ear, “Liza” continued. It’s a more important role than that of goalkeeper coach, he’s really an important man for Zizou, and a man he can trust. Knowing them both, it makes a great duo. »
Lizarazu even believes that Barthez has already had a positive impact on Maignan during this first gathering: “Fabien is very human, so I think that confidence is transmitted. Afterwards, we see in the evolution of Maignan’s game the reading of Fabien’s game. Fabien was a goalkeeper who was playful, who was comfortable with his feet, and who anticipated situations a lot. There, the high positions are to be, in a way, the libero of the defense. So I have the impression that there was a small impact from Fabien on Maignan. »
