The first session under Zinédine Zidane ended with smiles at France’s training base on Monday, where Dayot Upamecano admitted that even international defenders were struck by the new coach’s enduring technical ability.
A first day under Zidane
- Zidane met his France squad for the first time as head coach on Monday, beginning with a discussion designed to help players and staff become familiar with one another.
- The new manager also outlined the schedule for the day before taking the group onto the pitch.
- France then completed a technical training session, with Upamecano noting that Zidane still showed the quality that made him one of the game’s great midfielders.
“We all watched him when we were younger, so it is a pleasure,” the 27-year-old defender said. “I am very happy to have the chance to learn from him.”
Upamecano joked that matching Zidane’s level with the ball would be a daunting task. “We did technical work and you could see he has not lost it,” he said with a smile. “It will be difficult to reproduce what Zidane can do technically.”
The defender said there had been no nerves among the squad before the session, only anticipation. France’s players were pleased with the work completed and eager to discover what follows under their new coach.
Respect for Deschamps and readiness to learn
Upamecano did not want to draw comparisons between Zidane and Didier Deschamps, the previous France manager.
“I will not get into that debate,” he said. “Didier Deschamps helped me improve in many areas. I am 27 and I still have things to learn. I am listening, and we are very happy that Zidane is here.”
For Upamecano, the opening day was less about a dramatic change of direction than the start of a new working relationship: a World Cup-winning defender joining a squad now led by one of France’s most celebrated former players.
