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Only job I wanted, says new France coach Zidane

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team on a four-year contract, succeeding Didier Deschamps.
  • Zidane expressed immense joy and readiness for the challenge, stating that the France job was the only one he desired since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
  • He aims to continue the team's winning tradition, acknowledging the distinct nature of coaching a national team compared to a club, having previously led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

Zinedine Zidane officially takes the helm as the new head coach of the French national football team, a move long anticipated following Didier Deschamps's departure. The French Football Federation announced the appointment on Tuesday, confirming Zidane's four-year deal that extends through the 2030 World Cup.

For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words.

— Zinedine ZidaneExpressing his emotions upon being appointed as the new France coach.

Zidane, who replaces Deschamps after his tenure that began in 2012 and concluded after France's fourth-place finish at the recent World Cup, conveyed his profound excitement. "For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team," he stated at his unveiling in Paris. He emphasized his readiness for the challenge, revealing that coaching the national team was the sole position he pursued since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, turning down numerous club offers.

I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.

— Zinedine ZidaneDescribing his feelings and motivation for taking on the coaching role.

Having been Deschamps's teammate during France's 1998 World Cup victory, Zidane brings a wealth of experience, including his remarkable success at Real Madrid where he secured three consecutive Champions League titles. However, he recognizes the unique demands of managing a national squad. "I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure," Zidane commented. "I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me."

The France job was the only one I wanted.

— Zinedine ZidaneStating his singular focus on coaching the national team.

FFF president Philippe Diallo highlighted Zidane's conviction during their discussions, recalling Zidane's assertion, "President, I know how to win." This confidence, coupled with his proven track record, convinced the federation of his suitability to lead France. Zidane is committed to upholding the team's winning legacy, stating, "I’m going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning."

I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team.

— Zinedine ZidaneExplaining his commitment to the national team role over club opportunities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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