Raphael Varane on What to Expect from Zinedine Zidane's France Debut
Raphael Varane Shares Insights on Zidane's France Management Style
As Zinedine Zidane prepares for his first match as the head coach of the France national team, former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has opened up about what fans can anticipate from this new chapter for Les Bleus.
A Fresh Start for Les Bleus
Zidane will take charge of France in their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Turkey on Friday. This encounter marks the beginning of a new era with the legendary midfielder stepping into the coaching role for the first time at the national level.
Before the game, Varane spoke with French outlet L'Equipe, reflecting on his experience playing under Zidane at Real Madrid and offering an analysis of the manager’s style and approach.
Instinct at the Core
When asked to pinpoint Zidane's standout quality, Varane did not hesitate, highlighting the coach’s natural instinct as the foundation of his entire philosophy.
"His greatest quality? I would say instinct," Varane said. "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."
Balancing Creativity with Discipline
Zidane encourages freedom for attacking players, yet he expects them to maintain a strong defensive effort to keep the team structured. Varane stressed that this balance is key to Zidane’s approach.
"He ensures they feel comfortable," Varane added. "That is his major strength. His approach is primarily about finding a balance. He wants attacking players to contribute defensively, but without compromising their comfort when attacking. Once they have possession, he gives them freedom, relying on that sense of instinct, that element of unpredictability."
First Test Against Turkey
All eyes will be on Zidane this Friday as he tries to instill a winning mentality into the squad. The match against Turkey will offer the first chance to see his tactical vision for France in action. A solid performance here could set the right tone for the challenges ahead.
- Match: Turkey vs France
- Date: 25 September 2026
- Competition: UEFA Nations League
- Kick-off: 21:45
