Dayot Upamecano impressed by Zidane’s hands-on first France training session

Dayot Upamecano has welcomed Zinedine Zidane’s first France training camp, with the 27-year-old defender describing an encouraging opening session at Clairefontaine as Les Bleus begin life under their new head coach.

What changed for the club

Zidane took an active role during his first session in charge, joining the work on the pitch and demonstrating his own technique during ball exercises. Upamecano was among 12 players involved in a light initial workout, with the group using the session to reconnect before a demanding autumn international programme.

The centre-back, who grew up admiring the former France playmaker, said the squad had enjoyed the opportunity to work with him.

“We all watched him when we were younger, so it is a pleasure,” Upamecano said. “I’m very happy that I can learn from him.”

Upamecano joked that Zidane’s technical ability remains difficult to match after watching the coach take part in the drills. “We worked on technique and saw that he can still do it,” he said. “It will be hard to reproduce what Zidane can do with the ball. We are very happy with the session and keen to find out what comes next.”

He also insisted there had been no anxiety among the players before their first training session under the new manager. “No, not at all,” Upamecano said. “Everyone wanted to take part.”

Competition context

France are entering a transition after Didier Deschamps’ lengthy spell in charge, with Zidane seeking to establish his approach during an intensive international window. His first meeting with the squad was presented as a discussion rather than a formal address, allowing players and staff to become acquainted while he set out the day’s work.

“It was an exchange, an opportunity to get to know one another because we do not know everybody’s name,” Upamecano explained. “He also spoke about the programme for today.”

The defender declined to draw comparisons between Zidane and Deschamps, while crediting the previous coach for his own development.

“We are not going to start comparing them,” Upamecano said. “I am very happy to have him as my coach. Didier Deschamps helped me progress in many aspects. I’m 27 and still have plenty to learn. I’m open to advice, and we are very happy that he is here.”

What is scheduled next

Zidane’s first camp will quickly move from introductions to competitive action, with France facing four UEFA Nations League matches in a three-week period.

• France begin away to Turkey on September 25.
• Matches against Belgium and Italy follow between September 28 and October 5, 2026.
• The sequence will give Zidane an immediate opportunity to embed his plans while Upamecano and France’s defence are tested against leading opposition.