Zinedine Zidane’s preparations for France’s Nations League meeting with Turkey have been disrupted after the team’s training session in Bordeaux was delayed by the late arrival of sports equipment.
The squad reached Bordeaux on Friday after leaving Italy, where France suffered their first defeat under Zidane. Italy recovered from Michael Olise’s opening goal to win 3-1 in Thursday’s previous Nations League fixture.
France had been scheduled to train at 18:00 at Matmut Atlantique, the venue for Sunday’s match. However, equipment being transported from the Clairefontaine training centre did not arrive on time, forcing the coaching staff to postpone the session until 19:00.
The latest problem has raised further questions about the organisation of the national team, with similar issues having emerged since Zidane took charge.
The manager did not appear overly distracted by the defeat in Italy and quickly turned his attention to the fixture against Turkey, which will be France’s final match in the Nations League group stage.
The Bordeaux delay follows difficulties during the squad’s journey to Italy, when arrangements for players’ families caused frustration among several members of the team and affected the atmosphere before the match.
There had also been organisational confusion during France’s September and October camps. Problems involving players’ equipment included boot studs, socks and the flag, disrupting some arrangements during Zidane’s return as head coach after his time at Real Madrid.
The French Football Federation held a meeting on the previous Sunday to check that the necessary organisational preparations were in place and address shortcomings identified during earlier camps. However, the late delivery of the equipment in Bordeaux suggested that some of those problems remain unresolved.
France will hope to put the logistical issues aside before facing Turkey on Sunday, 15 November 2026. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, Zidane and his players now need a stable preparation for the match without further off-field interruptions.
The defeat by Italy was Zidane’s first since taking charge of France. His side had led through Olise but were unable to protect their advantage as the hosts scored three times to complete the comeback.
French outlet RMC Sport reported that the squad arrived in Bordeaux on Friday in preparation for the Turkey game. The team’s delayed training at Matmut Atlantique was the latest setback to affect the camp, following the travel arrangements that had already caused discontent on the journey to Italy.
Despite the setback, Zidane’s focus remains on the Turkey fixture and completing the Nations League group stage.
