Zinédine Zidane's first months as head coach of the French national team have seen some on-field success. Under his leadership, the team achieved three wins and a draw during their initial gathering, placing them at the top of their Nations League group. Analyst Romain Molina notes that the connection between Zidane and the players appears to be strong, with a clear strategy that seems to have been well understood and embraced by the squad.
Despite this success, internal challenges unrelated to performance have emerged. Issues within the "small staff"—a group responsible for day-to-day operations—have been reported. These include logistical and catering problems, such as players' shoe studs not being properly attached, which reportedly caused frustration among some athletes. Equipment was also not washed between matches in Turkey and Belgium, highlighting a lack of attention to detail. Molina points out that the staff composition may be flawed, with some individuals possibly lacking the necessary skills or suitability for their roles. A full staff meeting has been scheduled to review the first gathering, raising the possibility of significant changes.
Molina also criticizes the amateurish management and lack of preparation by the French Football Federation (FFF). He highlights excessive spending on team flights and the Under-21 squad, despite the FFF's financial records being unimpressive. Efforts were reportedly made to ensure that Zidane and his team were presented in the best possible light, but these efforts may not have addressed the underlying issues.
The situation raises questions about the ability of the FFF to support Zidane's vision for the national team. While the on-field results are promising, the internal challenges suggest that the foundation for long-term success may still be shaky. Whether these issues can be resolved will be crucial in determining the future of Zidane's tenure.
Zidane's French Team Debut Marked by On-Field Success and Off-Field Concerns
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