Zidane made his first appearance as France manager on Friday night, leading the side against Turkey in the Nations League. Amid the frenzy, his friend Christophe Dugarry praised the 14‑year legacy of predecessor Didier Deschamps.
The nation now turns a new page as Zidane steps onto the bench for the Turkey clash.
“I think nobody has forgotten, nor will they ever forget, the former coach’s 14‑year spell, which was undeniably a success, especially in terms of consistency,” the former international told Rothen on RMC. “No one can deny it. The last three tournaments left some fans frustrated by the results and the way we went out. We hit a glass ceiling, losing to a side that outclassed us collectively. There’s room to improve. Given the fantastic generation we’ve had and still have, some still hunger for more titles.”
Will ZZ steer Les Bleus to the trophies they’ve long chased?
Christophe Dugarry has never hidden his desire for something different from the Bleus, yet he acknowledges everything Deschamps achieved: “Some say we could have won more trophies, developed a stronger collective play. I’m among them. Everyone can draw their own conclusions about the past 14 years, based on their football sensibility. I respect all views and don’t expect anyone to share mine. But we must also respect those who want to dream bigger with ZZ.”
“We’ve seen in the last three tournaments that we could have performed far better. Without disparaging the predecessor’s genuinely successful work, some believe ZZ can raise the level and add more silverware. That’s why the excitement exists,” Dugarry summed up. “In my view, the buzz around ZZ is well‑earned.” “I don’t think those hoping ZZ succeeds will forget the groundwork laid by the former coach, who, regardless of debate, has etched his name in French football history.”