Desailly: Four or five Deschamps' starters will leave after Zidane takes over France

According to RMC Sport, Desailly predicts that Zidane's takeover of the French team will bring about change.

Will the French national team's coaching staff and lineup undergo changes? Former French defender Desailly believes that Zidane's arrival is highly probable, which will shake up the player hierarchy. Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has not coached any club. The former French midfielder will soon want to make his mark, distinguishing himself from Deschamps, whom he is expected to replace.

Desailly said in an interview with Flashscore: "I think Zidane did an excellent job at Real Madrid. But he didn't really have the opportunity to express his own football philosophy. I think he took over a system that Benítez had previously established, and players that Benítez had brought in. Luckily, he integrated his own understanding of the game, and it worked out very well."

In Desailly's view, Zidane will have more room in the national team. He said: "For the national team, I think he will do everything possible to inject his own philosophy into the system, to adjust the philosophy that Deschamps has built. I am convinced that four or five players who are absolute regulars under Deschamps will leave the team, making way for different ideas. There has been no official announcement yet, but it is highly likely to be him."

Desailly emphasized that Zidane's arrival is almost certain. He stated: "Especially since Zidane has never been willing to join any club. Chelsea offered him complete autonomy and wanted him to coach. Manchester United did the same when they were in trouble. So did Turkish teams. This shows that he has a real plan for his lifestyle. You know, he needs space. And the national team will provide him with the conditions to re-enter the system, while also allowing him to maintain a decent quality of life."

Desailly has a close relationship with Deschamps; both started their professional careers in Nantes and later played together for Marseille and the French national team. Speaking about Deschamps' future coaching career, Desailly also offered a prediction: "I think he will take over another national team. I don't think Deschamps will coach a club every day. You know, we are the same age, I was born in September, he was born in October. I don't think he will coach a club. He will definitely take over a national team."