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France Midfielder Koné 'Shocked' by Coach Zidane's Ability in Training
Manu Koné said Zidane’s technical range left him stunned as the new France coach joined drills and played passes with the squad.
- France national soccer team coach Zinedine Zidane participated in a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, surprising midfielder Manu Koné with his technical skill. The 54-year-old Zidane was in his element spraying passes and whipping in crosses to his awe-struck players.
- Zidane established his reputation in 1998 with two goals in the World Cup final win against Brazil, cementing his status as an overnight superstar. Two years later, his superb performances led Les Bleus to European Championship glory.
- Koné, a 25-year-old midfielder, credited Zidane's advice on positioning and defensive responsibility as invaluable. While Koné scored twice for Roma against Inter Milan two weeks ago, he has yet to find the net in 21 appearances for France.
- France prepares to face Italy on Friday at Stade de France in the UEFA Nations League. Koné said, "We shouldn't be shocked, you can only congratulate him for his career," expecting fans to give Zidane a warm ovation.
- Zidane's last match as a player was the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, which ended in a penalty shootout loss. Despite being sent off for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, he remains incredibly popular among French soccer fans.
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"In His Day, It Must Have Been Incredible": Manu Koné "Shocked" by Zinedine Zidane's Technical Level
After ten days alongside Zinédine Zidane as a team from France, the midfielder of Les Bleus does not hide her admiration for the former n°10, now a breeder. "He hasn't lost anything" of "his technical palette", points out the French international. The tricolor team prepares the third match of the League of Nations against Italy on Friday.
He was one of the best footballers ever, now Zinédine Zidane is France's national coach. And astonished his players. Manu Koné raved of Zidane's skills that his technique was shockingly good.
·Hamburg, Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 31%
15%
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