Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix was handed an immediate opportunity by Zinedine Zidane as France began their new era with a 1-0 Nations League victory over Türkiye.
Lacroix started in the French defence as Zidane took charge of Les Bleus for the first time following Didier Deschamps’ departure.
Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the game in the 54th minute as France opened their Nations League campaign with three points.
Reuters reported after the victory that France controlled long periods of the contest, with Zidane becoming the first France men’s coach since Aime Jacquet in 1994 to win his opening game.
Maxence Lacroix earns early Zidane trust
Lacroix’s involvement is another encouraging development after the defender earned a place in Zidane’s first France squad.
Speaking during the international break, Lacroix described working under Zidane as a “great source of pride”.
The 26-year-old only completed his move to Chelsea from Crystal Palace in July but has quickly become an important option for Xabi Alonso.
His early performances have already shown his influence at both ends, with Lacroix playing a major role in two Chelsea goals on his competitive debut against Fulham.
France now travel to Belgium on Monday 28 September, giving Lacroix another chance to strengthen his position under Zidane before returning to Chelsea.
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