Zidane’s Promising France Start Overshadowed by Behind-the-Scenes Disputes
Zinedine Zidane has made an encouraging start as head coach of the French national team, with three wins and a draw from his first four matches. Yet while the results have offered reasons for optimism, reports from France suggest that the atmosphere behind the scenes is far less settled. A series of organisational errors and staff disagreements has raised questions about how the national team is being managed as it prepares for its next international fixtures.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, citing L’Équipe, the difficulties extend beyond routine administrative challenges. A dispute between members of the equipment staff reportedly became so heated that one official took sick leave. The episode has added a difficult dimension to Zidane’s early tenure: alongside shaping tactics and improving performances on the pitch, he must operate within a federation dealing with internal friction.
France’s next test: Italy and Belgium
France’s players have gathered at Clairefontaine for the latest international camp, arriving on Monday ahead of a Thursday meeting with Italy and a subsequent fixture against Belgium. The two games give Zidane another opportunity to develop his approach, assess the squad and build understanding among players who may not yet be familiar with one another.
Several new faces are part of the wider conversation around the team, including Pablo Pagis and Saël Kumbedi. Introducing emerging talent can help France broaden its options and prepare for future tournaments, but it also puts extra importance on organisation. A well-run camp gives players and coaches the focus they need to work on tactical details, fitness and team chemistry.
That is why the reported tensions matter beyond the federation’s offices. International windows are short, and every training session counts. When logistical problems or disputes compete for attention, they can make an already demanding schedule more difficult for players and staff alike.
Organisational mistakes draw attention
Some of the reported problems have been visible to the public. During the September international break, an equipment issue involving socks and tape delayed a match against Belgium. The French Football Federation was reportedly fined €10,000 after the tape used did not comply with competition regulations.
Other incidents added to the impression of a camp struggling with basic coordination. Kylian Mbappé was seen holding a Turkish flag by himself after the teams had entered the pitch, while Michael Olise reportedly had to remove a warm-up tray left behind after the national anthems before a match against Italy. Zidane, meanwhile, was unable to hear the opening of the French anthem in İzmit.
Individually, such moments may seem minor compared with the demands of elite football. Taken together, however, they can become a distraction—particularly for a national team whose every appearance is closely watched. They also prompt practical questions about responsibility, communication and the checks in place before players step onto the pitch.
Reported dispute among equipment staff
The most serious account in L’Équipe concerns a confrontation between two equipment officials, Bastien Giray and Kamel Lahlouh. Giray, who had worked with France’s Under-21 team, was promoted to a role with the senior side. Lahlouh, according to the report, entered the federation’s administrative structure with support from his relationship with former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.
The newspaper reports that the pair’s first meeting led to a sharp verbal exchange. Giray allegedly feared the argument could turn physical and raised the incident with officials. The report says no decisive intervention followed, leaving him dissatisfied with how the matter was handled. He later went on sick leave.
These claims have not been presented as a public finding by the federation, and the reported account should be understood as a media report rather than an official disciplinary conclusion. Even so, the episode highlights how unresolved workplace disagreements can affect a national-team operation, where equipment staff play a crucial role in preparing players and ensuring that match-day requirements are met.
Julien Mimito, formerly the technical director of France’s Under-21 side, is expected to cover Giray’s duties during the November camp. His temporary appointment may help maintain continuity, but it does not by itself answer broader questions about how the dispute was managed or what steps will be taken to prevent similar problems.
Wider changes within the French Football Federation
The reported tensions come as the French Football Federation considers changes in other administrative areas. The organisation has advertised internally for an assistant to team director Laurent George and is also preparing to reorganise the security official’s position following accusations involving Mohamed Senhaji.
These developments suggest that the challenges facing France are not limited to one disagreement or a handful of match-day oversights. They form part of a wider conversation about staffing, accountability and the structure supporting the national team. For a federation responsible for one of the world’s most prominent football sides, clear roles and reliable processes are essential to keeping attention where it belongs: on preparation and performance.
What the situation means for Zidane
Zidane’s early results provide a positive foundation, but a strong record in his first four matches cannot settle every concern around the team. Coaches depend on a functioning support network, from equipment and travel arrangements to security and staff communication. If those systems are unstable, even the most experienced manager may find it harder to create the calm environment needed for consistent progress.
That does not mean the reported disputes will necessarily affect France’s performances against Italy or Belgium. The players remain among the most talented in international football, and Zidane has the experience and authority to focus the squad. Still, the camp will offer a useful test of how effectively the team can keep off-field distractions separate from its sporting objectives.
For supporters following the fixtures, any prediction should account for both sides of the picture. France’s quality and recent results make them a formidable opponent, but short international camps leave little room for disruption. If Zidane can maintain tactical momentum while the federation addresses its organisational concerns, the team can continue building toward its ambitions. If the internal issues persist, they risk becoming an avoidable distraction during an important period of development.
