Zidane makes rebuilding France’s full-back position a major challenge

Zidane has made renewing the full-back position one of his major challenges in France. The concern is the position’s future: Koundé and Kalulu have been adapted to the right flank, while a gap has emerged on the left after Theo Hernández.

The project goes beyond finding immediate solutions. Zidane has reportedly raised the issue with the National Technical Directorate and called for measures to develop new talent in the position. His main objective is to build a plan that can produce top full-backs for French football.

To move the project forward, the former Real Madrid coach is working with Hubert Fournier, who heads the DTN, Gérald Baticle, France’s under-21 coach, and Bernard Diomède, the under-20 coach. Zidane was also seen at France-Italy in Paris.

The task matters all the more because options in the position are scarce. Reviving the talent pipeline means addressing the team’s needs while preparing the next generation, with support from technical officials and youth national teams.