Kone reveals what surprised him most about Zidane: ‘He hasn’t lost it’

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 28: Zinedine Zidane, Head Coach of France, looks on before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Roma midfielder Manu Kone has been training under the legendary Zinedine Zidane in the France national team camp over the last week, and says that the 1998 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner is still showing extraordinary technique behind the scenes in training: ‘He hasn’t lost anything’. 

Kone was on pre-match media duties in the France camp on Wednesday, ahead of the Nations League clash between Les Bleues and Italy at the Stade de France on Friday evening. 

Click here to read Kone’s press conference in full.

Kone sings Zidane’s praises: ‘Must’ve been incredible in his prime’

Kone’s international career has kicked on in 2026 following a starring role in France’s World Cup campaign over the summer. He was named as a starter in Zidane’s first match in charge of the France national team and is pushing to return to the starting line-up for the Italy match-up on Friday. 

Speaking from Clairefontaine on Wednesday, Kone spoke about the privilege that he feels working under former Juventus and Real Madrid star Zidane. 

“It’s nice to be coached by Zidane, a legend across the world. He manages us in a very personal, sincere way. He’s very close to the players and always talks to us on the sidelines or in the group. 

“He gives us the confidence to play freely. It’s a pleasure, it feels natural. On a personal level, he’s very genuine, he spoke to us all individually and he told me to play how I’m used to.”

Kone and his teammates are still in awe of what Zidane produces on the training pitch. 

“What shocked me most was his technical ability in training. He hasn’t lost anything, and seeing him in real life is even better. Seeing that he’s still got that technique, I keep telling myself that it must have been incredible in his prime. 

“Personally, I listen to everything he tells me, all I can do is learn from him. He advises me a lot on positioning, on giving balance to the team. He gives me responsibilities and I have to be switched on.”