A new France camp has begun at Clairefontaine with a quieter arrival and a sharper sense of change. Zinédine Zidane named his first squad on Friday, welcomed the players on Monday and immediately signalled a different working style from Didier Deschamps.
Several newcomers were included in Zidane’s selection, while small changes around the gathering have also drawn attention. The players’ arrival was handled more discreetly, ending the more theatrical walk-in format associated with previous camps.
Quick facts
- Zinédine Zidane announced his France squad on Friday.
- The first training camp under the new coach began at Clairefontaine on Monday.
- The squad contains several first-time call-ups.
- Andy Diouf has been discussed as a possible left-back option.
- Zidane contacted captain Kylian Mbappé about playing on the left.
- Guillaume Restes received no detailed public explanation from the coach.
Jean-Louis Tourre said Zidane had made a more pronounced break with the Deschamps era than expected. He pointed to the squad announcement itself, which was presented without the long, individual reading of names that had become familiar under the previous manager.
The former Real Madrid coach also adopted a direct tone in his first press conference. Tourre said Zidane answered questions calmly and clearly, without the jokes, pointed remarks or ambiguity that had often surrounded Deschamps’ public appearances.
That clarity did not extend equally to every issue. Zidane offered little on goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, but was more specific on Andy Diouf, saying he wanted to assess the player at left-back.
A different public face
Tourre believes the contrast reflects two distinct personalities rather than simply a change in technical policy. In his view, Deschamps sought public approval, while Zidane already possesses the authority and recognition to bring people with him without pressing the point.
Still, the early shifts will require more than presentation. The most eye-catching proposal concerns Mbappé, with Zidane considering moving his captain to the left side and having already spoken to him about the position.
Tourre urged caution over treating that adjustment as a symbolic reversal of the old regime. Mbappé has not regularly occupied that role over the past two years for reasons of team balance, and the tactical consequences will matter more than the appeal of the idea on paper.
The first answers will come on the pitch. For now, Zidane’s opening days have brought fresh faces, altered routines and a France setup already looking determined to step out from Deschamps’ long shadow.
