Zidane admits emotion on eve of first game as France coach
"I feel even more emotional than I did ahead of my first game as a player," said Zidane.
France icon Zinedine Zidane expressed intense emotion as he prepared to lead his nation for the first time in a UEFA Nations League match against Turkey. The 54-year-old, who led France to World Cup glory in 1998, admitted his emotion surpassed his feelings during his playing debut. Zidane, appointed coach in July to replace Didier Deschamps, acknowledged the attention surrounding him.
However, he emphasized the importance of his players and vowed to support them in achieving victories. Zidane also confirmed that captain Kylian Mbappe had returned to full training, after battling illness earlier in the week. With France set to face Belgium and then Italy and Belgium at Stade de France, midfielder Adrien Rabiot noted that Zidane's influence could positively impact the team.
Despite his desire to stay out of the spotlight, Rabiot understood the expectations placed on Zidane, believing his experience could benefit the players.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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