Zinedine Zidane made a notable appearance at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday as the newly appointed France manager attended Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions Trophy meeting with Lens.
The former France captain was in the stands to watch the match in person, beginning his assessment of the players who could form part of the national team during the next phase of his tenure. His presence added an extra layer of interest to a fixture already carrying significance for both clubs.
According to French website Foot Mercato, Zidane travelled to the stadium to follow the contest at close quarters. It was one of his first practical steps towards monitoring the leading figures in French football after taking responsibility for the national side.
France are preparing for a new period under Zidane, who is regarded as one of the country’s most influential football figures. His appearance at the match offered an early indication that he intends to assess potential selections by watching players in competitive action as the new season begins.
The fixture itself was important to Paris Saint-Germain, who were looking to continue their pursuit of silverware. The club had already lifted the UEFA Super Cup before the start of the campaign and were seeking to add the Champions Trophy to their collection.
Victory would also move Paris Saint-Germain closer to a 15th title in the history of their participation in the competition. They faced Lens, who entered the match with the ambition of taking the trophy from the reigning UEFA Champions League holders.
With Zidane watching from the stands, the game represented more than a contest for one piece of silverware. It gave the France manager an opportunity to observe a number of players who may be considered for international duty, while also allowing him to judge their form at the opening stage of the season.
The attention surrounding Zidane’s attendance reflected both his status and the timing of his appointment. As he prepares to lead France through the next phase, he has begun the process of identifying and monitoring the players who might be included in his squad for forthcoming commitments.
His visit to Stade Bollaert-Delelis therefore carried significance beyond the result between Paris Saint-Germain and Lens. It marked the practical beginning of Zidane’s work in following possible members of the France set-up, although the shape of his future choices will become clearer over the coming fixtures and international campaigns.
