Unbolted Boots, Dirty Kit: The Logistics Chaos Embarrassing Zidane's Staff

Zinédine Zidane’s first gathering at the helm of the France team concluded with a satisfactory sporting record — three wins, a draw and top of their Ligue des Nations group — but serious supply-chain problems tarnished the behind-the-scenes picture of these early days.

According to independent journalist Romain Molina, several incidents frustrated players and staff. Unbolted studs on the international players’ boots reportedly angered some of them. Equipment was allegedly not washed between the trip to Turkey and the one to Belgium. Basic failures, but revealing a lack of organisation within the “support staff”, in Molina’s words.

Beyond these incidents, the journalist points to errors in the composition of the logistics team, with people deemed insufficiently competent or poorly positioned in their roles. A meeting of the entire staff was scheduled for Tuesday to draw lessons from this first gathering, and significant changes could result.

Molina broadens his criticism to the French Football Federation itself, denouncing what he calls “amateurism and lack of preparation”. He also flags aircraft travel expenses deemed exorbitant, for both the senior team and the U-21s, in a context where the FFF’s finances are under strain. The institution would be concentrating its efforts on the showcase — Zidane and his first team — at the expense of more rigorous underlying organisation.

On the sporting front, however, the chemistry seems to be working between Zidane, his staff and the players. Promise in the play, a clear tactical direction: the foundations appear to be laid. The question remains whether the federation apparatus will be able to rise to the level to support this ambition.