Zinedine Zidane keeps France – what will he bring to the role now?

In September, the French national team will have a new face on the touchline for the first time in 14 years.

When the appointment was announced on Tuesday morning, it was an open secret that Zinedine Zidane would replace Didier Deschamps this summer.

Discussions between the former Real Madrid manager and French football officials began in 2015. It’s February 2025 – after Zidane’s former team-mate Deschamps announced a few weeks ago that he would be stepping down following the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane wanted to highlight the time he spent waiting on the sidelines and preparing for the job during his Paris appearance.

“I had many offers in the last four or five years but I turned them all down,” said an emotional Zidane. All I want is the national team.

While his eagerness to take over was the main theme of Tuesday morning’s news conference in the French capital, the midfield legend gave France fans few hints as to how he would handle the role.

Even a question about Kylian Mbappe’s captaincy was passed: “Now the most important thing for him is to rest, we will have the opportunity to talk in September.”

When asked about his preferred style of play, Zidane chose to go into the tactical details.

“I can’t tell you in just two words how we’re going to win. I have to get there, meet with the players and explain my plans to them. After that, it’s up to me to keep this team winning.”

However, Zidane confirmed his desire to “do things differently”.

He then pointed out that there will be a “next” level of work from the previous boss, which confirmed the praise.

“I try to do what I know, but it will not be completely rest.”

So what will Zidane bring to the French dugout?