When Lepaul earned his first call‑up to Les Bleus, Zidane greeted the squad with a video chronicling France’s football history.
The 26‑year‑old forward, a late bloomer who never featured in youth sides, joined the 23‑man roster for the opening four Nations League matches. He witnessed Zidane’s first training session, where the coach praised efficiency in tight spaces. The former French captain was spotted chatting repeatedly with the Rennes striker during that session, and Lepaul later detailed the new manager’s methods at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Zidane’s emphasis on the national team’s importance resonated throughout the camp. Will this renewed sense of heritage translate into success on the pitch?
Zidane stressed the jersey’s weight in a montage shown to everyone. Lepaul recalled, “We met the staff, hit the pitch, then had a ten‑minute meeting where he played a film on France’s heritage. It reminded us of the golden generations before us and urged us to become the leading figures of our era.”
The former Epinal and Angers striker, a Lyon academy product, praised the initiative. “It’s essential with a fresh group,” he said. “It embeds a culture. Zidane wants us to defend the crest fiercely and represent it proudly. No one underestimates the blue shirt; everyone will wear it with pride in the upcoming four matches. It was necessary to instill something in this new squad and staff.” In my view, this tradition‑driven approach could spark unity.
Lepaul, already sensitive to symbols, was struck first by the rooster with two stars. “That image hit me as soon as I arrived at Clairefontaine. What pride to wear a badge that bears two World Cup titles. I’m still finding my way around the centre, even got the floor wrong on day one.”