Zinedine Zidane demands full-back solutions from French Football Federation

France manager Zinedine Zidane has identified a tactical issue within his squad. Since replacing Didier Deschamps last July, the former Real Madrid boss has noted a lack of elite quality in the full-back positions. Zidane believes that reinforcing the flanks is essential for the team to compete at the highest international level.

To find a long-term solution, Zidane has communicated his concerns to the French Football Federation's (FFF) National Technical Directorate. Through technical director Hubert Fournier, he has demanded concrete measures to build a pipeline of capable full-backs who can seamlessly step into the senior side.

In the short term, Zidane has instructed Under-21 manager Gérald Baticle and Under-20 boss Bernard Diomede to develop new player profiles for the role. The strategy involves shifting versatile, athletic defenders into specialized full-back positions to fast-track their progression.

The experiment is already showing promise. Christian Mawissa of AS Monaco and Ismaelo Ganiou of RC Lens, both typically central defenders, were successfully deployed on the flanks during the recent international window. Their strong performances mean they could soon be considered for senior call-ups if they continue to develop.