There were reports that Zidane could replace Didier Deschamps as Les Bleus boss, although the former Marseille manager’s contract with France lasts until December 31, 2022.
For any French coach, France national team is a goal
Raphael Varane welcomed the probability of Zinedine Zidane, his boss at Real Madrid, taking charge of the French national team. There were reports that Zidane could replace Didier Deschamps as Les Bleus boss, although the former Marseille manager’s contract with France lasts until December 31, 2022. Nevertheless, Varane understands why Zidane would be passionate about the job. “It is a possibility. For any French coach, France national team is a goal,” Varane said in an interview. “It is natural for him to want this position, but it is not relevant now. Our coach is doing a good job, and we should focus on our short-term objectives: qualifications for the World Cup and then the European championship.”
Karim Benzema is hardworking and he’s still progressing.
One player adored by Zidane but less than Deschamps is Karim Benzema, who remains ostracised from the French national team due to the Mathieu Valbuena incident in 2015. “I indeed have a relationship with all the people affected by this issue. But my position is simple : I step aside, it’s not for me to speak, this is not my role,” Varane said. “I communicate well with my coaches and teammates, and this is the most important thing”. Benzema has hit a rich vein of form for Real Madrid, scoring eight goals in his last six games, and Varane has been full of praise for him. “He is hardworking, and he is still progressing,” the centre-back noted. “He’s physically well, playing his best football. He’s an efficient and elegant player on the pitch; it’s nice to watch him play.”
Kylian Mbappe is Varane’s international teammate, but many in the Spanish capital are hoping they will eventually be teammates at club level too. When asked about the Paris Saint-Germain forward, the defender had to say kind words. “He is still young, but he has already made significant progress and continues to develop,” said Varane. “He’s getting more and more complete, and he’s still a goalscorer; He’s one of the greatest. I aspire to play with the best players, and Kylian is one of the best players in Europe.”