Zidane Leads First France Training Session Ahead of Turkey Nations League Tie
Zinedine Zidane has begun his first France camp at Clairefontaine, with the new head coach taking charge of an opening training session before Les Bleus begin their UEFA Nations League programme away to Turkey on September 25.
Only 12 members of the 23-man group were involved in the initial workout at the national football centre, where Zidane was able to start work during a three-week gathering that will also include meetings with Belgium and Italy between September 28 and October 5, 2026.
Chelsea centre-back Lacroix, who has collected seven senior caps since making his France debut in the United States in March 2026, said he felt pride rather than nerves at working under the former World Cup winner. The 26-year-old is entering a significant international period as he seeks to establish himself in the side.
“No pressure,” Lacroix said. “It is simply a huge source of pride to be on the pitch with him.”
The defender said Zidane spoke with the players collectively during the technical work, adding: “We could speak with him as a group, which was really good.”
Zidane starts work after Deschamps era
Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps and has a compressed opening window in which to introduce his methods. The first session was centred largely on work with the ball, while Zidane also joined the exercises and demonstrated the close control that defined his playing career.
The atmosphere at Clairefontaine was described as relaxed but focused, with France beginning the transition into a new coaching era before an immediate run of four demanding fixtures. The away match in Turkey will be followed by encounters with Belgium and Italy over the following 10 days.
For Lacroix, the autumn schedule presents an opportunity to strengthen his claim for a regular place in the starting XI. France’s defensive resources will be tested across the Nations League run, and strong early results would give Zidane a firm platform at the beginning of his tenure.
