Manu Koné ’shocked’ by new French coach Zinedine Zidane’s ability in training

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of football’s finest playmakers during his prime playing career. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

France midfielder Manu Koné admitted he had a sense of amazement when he saw new head coach Zinedine Zidane join his players on the training pitch.

Zidane, widely regarded as one of football’s finest playmakers during his prime playing career, showed that his technical quality remains intact at 54. He impressed the squad with his passing range and ability to deliver accurate crosses ahead of Friday’s Nations League meeting with Italy at the Stade de France.

“What shocked me during the first week of training was his technical range. He’s lost none of his ability,” Koné said on Tuesday.

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“Seeing it in person is even better, especially at his age,” the 25-year-old added. “It’s true that I was little when he was near the end of his career. To see that he still has that technique now means it must have been incredible in his era.”

Zidane became a national icon after scoring twice in France’s 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil. His image was projected onto the Arc de Triomphe during the celebrations in Paris, and he went on to win the Ballon d’Or. Two years later, he played a central role as France claimed the European Championship.

“It’s a pleasure to be coached by Zidane, a world legend. He’s told me to play freely and given me confidence,” Koné said. “He was a midfielder, so as a midfielder I listen to everything he says and I can only learn by his side. He advises me a lot about my positioning and gives me more responsibility.”

Zidane’s final appearance for France came in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, which France lost on penalties. He was sent off during extra time after head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, but the incident did little to diminish his standing among French supporters.

Since taking charge, Zidane has attracted enormous attention, often receiving more focus than several of the players in his squad.

“We shouldn’t be shocked, you can only congratulate him for his career,” Koné said. “We will see that on Friday, the ovation he gets (against Italy).”

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Zidane deployed Koné as a defensive midfielder during France’S 1-0 victory against Turkey last Friday. The role required him to remain close to the defence and protect the back line rather than frequently moving forward.

Koné recently scored twice for Roma in a Serie A victory over Inter Milan, but he is still searching for his first France goal after 21 appearances.

“The goal will come,” he said. “But the important thing is to meet the coach’s requirements.”