For his first squad selection as head of the French national team, Zinédine Zidane has already made two decisions directly affecting Paris Saint-Germain. Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 20-year-old PSG midfielder, has been selected in that specific role, whereas Maghnes Akliouche, the 24-year-old PSG midfielder, was left out.
Zidane: “I want to see him in midfield”
“If I’ve listed him among the midfielders, it’s because I want to see him in midfield.”
This message is particularly significant for Warren Zaïre-Emery. Luis Enrique has frequently utilized his versatility by playing him on the right flank, whereas Zidane is immediately signaling a preference for his natural, formative position. This does not mean the two coaches hold opposing views on the player; PSG can still benefit from his ability to fill various roles when the situation demands it. However, at the international level, Zidane appears intent on clarifying his role and evaluating him primarily as a midfielder.
Zidane: “I don’t want to see players in the stands”
“It’s a choice; I don’t want to see players sitting in the stands. Why them? That’s just how it is. I made the decision to bring in new players.”
The situation differs for Maghnes Akliouche. Having been part of the 2026 World Cup squad, the new PSG signing has been left off this initial list, despite his rising form since joining the club and providing his first assist against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. Zidane, however, does not frame this omission as a disciplinary measure; he emphasizes the process of building his squad and his desire to test new players.
For Akliouche, the message is nonetheless crystal clear: past status guarantees nothing in this new cycle. His performances for Paris Saint-Germain will need to earn him back his spot amidst competition that Zidane is already reshuffling. Conversely, Zaïre-Emery receives a valuable indication right from this first squad announcement regarding how the head coach intends to use him.
