Türkiye are a very good team, will cause France problems: Zidane

France head coach Zinedine Zidane praised Türkiye ahead of his first match in charge of the national team, warning that the hosts would pose a difficult challenge in their UEFA Nations League opener.

“Türkiye are a very good team. They competed at the most recent World Cup, and in my opinion, their elimination in the first round was unexpected,” Zidane told a news conference Thursday at Kocaeli Stadium.

“They are not where they deserve to be. Tomorrow will be a very difficult match, and they will cause us problems.”

Türkiye and France will meet Friday in the opening match of Group 1 in League A of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The game will mark Zidane’s coaching debut with Les Bleus.

Zidane succeeded his former France teammate Didier Deschamps following the 2026 World Cup, ending Deschamps’ 14-year tenure.

Reflecting on his return to the national team 32 years after making his international debut as a player, Zidane said he continued to feel the same excitement and wanted to lead France to more trophies.

The former Real Madrid coach said France had completed three training sessions under his leadership and would enter the game with the sole aim of winning.

Zidane, whose appointment has attracted significant attention, said he was comfortable with the spotlight but stressed that the team’s performance would matter most.

“It does not bother me. It is something very natural,” he said. “But today I am a coach. My players know what they have to do, and everyone knows their role.”

Asked about the six uncapped players selected for his first squad, Zidane said the national team remained open to anyone who earned an opportunity.

“I am very happy to be the first national team coach to call them up, and I trust them,” he said. “They will get their chance to wear the shirt, and when they do, I believe they can help take France to a better place.”

Zidane also praised Türkiye and Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler.

“Arda is a very, very good player. I like him, and I am happy that he plays for Real Madrid,” he said.

Rabiot expects passionate atmosphere

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said the team’s objective was to begin Zidane’s tenure with a victory and ultimately finish first in their Nations League group.

Rabiot said he had not seen a major change in France’s overall system, although Zidane was expected to ask the full-backs to contribute more in attack.

Describing Zidane as a football legend, Rabiot said the coach paid close attention to his players and helped them through his presence and communication.

Asked about the atmosphere awaiting France in Kocaeli, Rabiot said the players were familiar with the passion surrounding football in Türkiye.

“We know Turkish clubs and the Turkish national team. There is a very passionate football environment here, and we have spoken about it among ourselves,” he said.

“We are professional players, and our aim is to play our game with composure. I hope people will watch a good match.”

Rabiot also said he would be pleased to face Türkiye defender Merih Demiral, his former Juventus teammate, on the pitch.