Zidane "very close", immediate "Barthez effect"... Butez reveals behind-the-scenes of his first France call-up

Butez detailed his first France camp under Zidane and Barthez, praising the coach's closeness and the goalkeeper coach's demanding but confidence-building approach.

Jean Butez has opened up about his maiden call-up to the France squad under new manager Zinédine Zidane, speaking to Ouest-France about his experience at Clairefontaine. The Como goalkeeper, who arrived as third-choice keeper behind Mike Maignan and Guillaume Restes, highlighted Zidane's accessibility and emphasis on adaptation as the defining features of the new regime.

Barthez, serving as goalkeeper coach, has maintained his characteristic directness while instilling confidence in his charges. Butez praised the 1998 World Cup winner's focus on match preparation and fostering unity among the keepers. A key tactical shift has been Zidane's demand that his goalkeeper play a high, modern game—an instruction Maignan and Restes have already implemented effectively.

France face Italy and Turkey in Nations League fixtures on 12 and 15 November, with qualification for the quarter-finals and Final Four at stake. Butez hopes to earn another call-up for those matches.