"We're living a fantasy": France '98 legends celebrate Zidane's coaching start

France '98 world champions gathered recently for Robert Pirès' testimonial match and shared their excitement following Zinédine Zidane's strong debut as the national team's coach.

Zidane's initial four matches leading the French squad saw them remain undefeated, with three wins and a draw in the Nations League. Beyond the impressive results, the coach has won over fans, sparking a widespread "Zizou mania." His former '98 teammates are equally impressed.

"I'm not disappointed; I'm full of joy because this is what I expected," stated Frank Lebœuf, smiling at Robert Pirès' testimonial in Metz. "There are still imperfections, but we're living a fantasy. People always talked about 'Zidane as coach.' It's like Michel Platini in the 90s. Now we have the ultimate prize, the talent, and the right players. It's truly extraordinary!"

"It's not a dream, it's reality"

Gathered at the stadium the day after a significant win against Belgium, several iconic former French internationals praised the team's performance during Zidane's first camp. Although his presence was highly anticipated, Zidane himself couldn't make it to Metz.

"The 'Zizoumania' is here, it exists. After all, we're talking about one of the greatest players football has ever produced," enthused Robert Pirès during his testimonial event.

Vincent Candela echoed this sentiment: "It's not a dream; it's reality. He's doing well, he's in place. He'll need time to fully implement his footballing philosophy. We have the time, and I believe it will go very, very well."

Why Zidane succeeded with the Blues

Youri Djorkaeff, who played alongside Zidane during the triumphant 1998 World Cup campaign, explained what makes him an effective player and now a good coach: "He's fair, he's not about showing off. He has the right move, and that's what must be appealing to these young players – having direct communication."

For Frank Leboeuf, the former No. 10's success also stems from his aura and charisma with players and fans. "It feels like people are watching Zidane more than what's happening on the field right now. Everything he does is photographed, filmed."

"It seems people aren't watching the match, but well... perhaps that's just normal."

Robert Pirès confirmed this: "We have a great squad, and an exceptional coach. The proof is at the Stade de France when the players are announced; Zizou receives the loudest cheers. It's good for him, and it's also beneficial for the players playing under him to learn and progress."

Djorkaeff wants more from the Blues' attack

After a near-perfect start in their first four matches, the French team has displayed an attacking style focused on ball possession. Praising the presence of the France '98 generation within the current setup, "The Snake" enjoyed seeing a former playmaker share his approach with the players.

"We've had Laurent (Blanc), Dédé (Deschamps), and now Zizou. There's a France '98 transition happening with the national team; it's present. There's the spirit, and Thierry Henry was also involved with the Olympiques. France '98 has left a strong mark on the national team. What's good is that each player brings their unique touch. And now, seeing a technical player who used to play upfront with me as a coach is fantastic. I'll be even more demanding of him regarding offensive play than I was with Lolo or Dédé."

The Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup are already on the horizon

Despite the significant enthusiasm after Zidane's first four games, it's too early to judge his tenure fully. For the France '98 generation and many fans, the Nations League is secondary. The real test for the new French coach will be Euro 2028.

"I'm happy for him, for Zizou, for France, but we won't judge him now," Frank Lebœuf concluded. "We'll judge him at the European Championship, at the World Cup. The Nations League, we don't care much about."

Christian Karembeu also highlighted the need to build on this start, after expressing his high regard for Zidane: "Of course, we dream with him. That said, the results and the points are more than perfect. We're happy with the performances, although, as he knows, he must continue working with this team."