Zinedine Zidane to lead France: The tactical challenges ahead
Future France manager Zinedine Zidane inherits a talented core but faces significant gaps at fullback and central defense that will be difficult to bridge.
Le 26 mai 2018, Zinédine Zidane a remporté, contre Liverpool (3-1), sa troisième Ligue des champions d'affilée sur le banc du Real. (F. Faugère/L'Équipe)
Zinedine Zidane is preparing to take the helm of the France national team, inheriting a squad filled with immense talent but also plagued by specific defensive deficiencies. Despite a disappointing end to their recent tournament run, the French side remains one of the world's most gifted, blending seasoned leaders with an emerging generation of stars.
The core of the team is robust, featuring pillars like Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Kylian Mbappé in their prime. The recent "re-oxygenation" of the squad by the previous staff has introduced promising young talents, providing Zidane with a solid foundation for his tactical vision.
However, the outlook is not entirely idyllic. Zidane will need to demonstrate significant creativity, particularly in defense. The injury to William Saliba means the new manager must immediately construct a new central defensive partnership. While Dayot Upamecano performed well at the World Cup, the search for a consistent partner remains a priority, with Ibrahima Konaté needing to regain his best form.
The most pressing concerns lie at fullback. French football has long struggled with a deficit in producing high-quality wide defenders, and this issue persists. Zidane may be tempted to revive Ferland Mendy's international career, provided the defender can maintain fitness, or he may have to rely on scouting new prospects with the help of his close associate, Bernard Diomède.