Estéban Lepaul stepped into the France team on Friday night and left with a first cap, a hard-fought win and the feeling that the moment had not yet fully sunk in. The Rennes forward made his international debut as Les Bleus beat Turkey 1-0 in the Nations League.
A first France appearance in a tight contest
Lepaul came on with France protecting a narrow lead against Turkey, a situation that demanded work as much as attacking ambition. The 1-0 victory was secured only after a determined finish, with the debutant helping the side see out the match.
- Estéban Lepaul won his first senior France cap on Friday.
- France defeated Turkey 1-0 in the Nations League.
- The Stade Rennais striker entered during a period when France needed to defend their advantage.
- Lepaul said the squad’s support helped him settle into the game.
“There is the satisfaction of making my first appearance for France tonight, with a great victory that was difficult to earn,” Lepaul said. “We fought for it until the end, so it is perfect.”
He admitted that the significance of his first international outing had not immediately registered. “I did not really take it in at the time,” he said. “I came into the match with everyone behind me.”
Lepaul embraces the defensive work
With the score still in the balance, Lepaul said his role quickly became one of collective effort. France had to protect their one-goal margin rather than open the game up, and the Rennes attacker was pleased to contribute to that side of the performance.
“It was a score we had to hold on to, so it became a different kind of game where we had to put in the work,” he said. “We did that, and I am really happy that we won.”
Zidane’s first instructions as France coach
Lepaul also outlined Zinédine Zidane’s approach after the new France head coach made adjustments during the interval. The forward described a manager attentive to detail, but not one seeking to overload his players with unnecessary instructions.
- Zidane addressed defensive points at half-time.
- He also made attacking corrections during the break.
- Lepaul said the coach gave players freedom on the pitch.
- The France manager expects his squad to accept responsibility and make decisions for themselves.
“He was very precise,” Lepaul said of Zidane. “At half-time, he corrected some defensive details and some attacking things, but nothing excessive. He gives the players freedom. He wants them to take responsibility and do things themselves.”
For Lepaul, Zidane’s approach reflects the depth of talent available in the France squad. On a night when the Rennes forward took his first step at international level, France found a way to win — and their newest cap found his place in the fight.
