?Can you feel the buzz in Metz as former 1998 champions gather for Robert Pirès’ jubilee, celebrating Zidane’s promising start as France manager?
Undefeated in four games, Zidane wrapped his first camp with three wins and a draw in the Nations League. Beyond the spotless record, fans have gone into a full‑blown Zizou mania, and his old teammates from France ’98 are equally impressed.
“I’m not disappointed at all – I’m thrilled, exactly what I expected,” grinned Frank Lebœuf on the sidelines of Pirès’ event. “Sure, there are flaws, but we’re living a fantasy. It feels like the ‘Zidane coach’ dream, reminiscent of Platini in the ’90s. We have the grail, the talent, the right players. It’s bound to be extraordinary!”
“It’s not a dream, it’s reality”
Gathered at Saint‑Symphorien after the big win over Belgium, a host of France legends praised Zidane’s inaugural gathering. Though his presence was hoped for, the coach couldn’t make the trip to Moselle.
“Zizoumania is real – we’re talking about one of the greatest players football ever produced,” Robert Pirès declared during his celebration.
Vincent Candela echoed the sentiment: “It’s not a dream, it’s reality. He’s solid, he’s settled. Give him time to impose his ideas and the results will be very, very good.”
Why Zidane has thrived with Les Bleus
Youri Djorkaeff, former attacking partner of Zidane during the 1998 triumph, explained why the ex‑midfielder excels as a coach: “He’s fair, never showy. His gestures are precise, which makes it pleasant for young players to receive a direct message.”
Frank Leboeuf added that Zidane’s success also stems from his aura and charisma: “It feels like we watch Zidane more than the game itself. Everything he does is photographed, filmed.”
“On a l’impression que les gens ne regardent pas le match, mais bon… C’est peut-être juste normal.”
Robert Pirès validated the impact: “We have a great squad and a coach who’s larger than life. When the player list appears at the Stade de France, Zizou gets the loudest applause. It’s good for him and inspiring for the players under his guidance.”
Djorkaeff expects even more firepower from France’s attack
The team, flawless in its first four matches, displayed an aggressive, ball‑possession style. “The Snake” enjoyed seeing a former playmaker pass his flair to the current generation.
“We had Laurent (Blanc), Dédé (Deschamps) and now Zizou. A France‑98 thread runs through the squad, with spirit and even Thierry Henry’s Olympic influence. Each player brings his own flair, and seeing a technical ex‑midfielder now coaching makes me even stricter than I was with Lolo or Dédé on offense.”