France midfielder Manu Kone says Zinedine Zidane’s personal approach is allowing the squad to play with greater freedom during the September international camp.
Zidane, appointed as the new France head coach, has spent his first weeks explaining his footballing principles and outlining what he expects from his players. Kone said the former midfielder had already created a positive atmosphere around the team.
“It’s a pleasure to be coached by Zinedine Zidane; he’s a global legend. He manages us in a very human way, he’s very sincere and very close to the players. He can speak to us privately or in front of the group. He gives us confidence and tells us to play freely. Each of us can be natural in our own way, and that’s a pleasure,” Kone told reporters on Wednesday.
Kone operates in a more defensive midfield role and believes Zidane’s experience in that position has made his guidance particularly useful.
The France international said he was paying close attention to the instructions he received, especially those relating to his positioning and the balance of the side.
“He was a midfielder, so I’m learning a lot. Naturally, I listen to everything he tells me; I can only learn alongside him. He gives me a lot of advice about positioning and the team’s balance. The most important thing is to meet the coach’s demands,” he said.
Kone also praised the wider France coaching staff, saying the group had grown slightly and was responding to the players’ needs both on and off the pitch.
“The staff is a little larger, and they respond to all our requests, regarding treatment, care and also on the pitch. I think that does us good with the national team,” he added.
Zidane’s approach has come after what he appeared pleased with during his first two matches in charge in the UEFA Nations League. Kone’s comments suggest the new coach’s influence has extended beyond tactical instructions, with the midfielder highlighting the confidence and freedom being encouraged within the squad.
