The Z Files: the 1998 World Cup Final

Le Classique are delighted to be joined by Jeremy Smith for a quarter season review of Ligue 1. Features detailed analysis of the top eight, the standout players of the season so far, and a little ‘passage du côté de la Ligue 2’ to reflect on the struggles of Jeremy and Bappo’s sides: the mighty FC Metz and Stade Lavallois. 

The best ZZ touch of all time? We're going full on Classique by revisiting some of the iconic games from France's new manager. After the 1998 World Cup final, we fast forward two years, where France and ZZ are in full swing at Euro 2000. A semi final vs. Portugal featuring seriously iconic names, from Luis Figo to Abel Xavier.

As Zinedine Zidane finally takes over the French national team, Tom and Bappo decide to go full on ‘Classique’ and revisit some of the iconic games from the French maestro. Call it the Z files. We begin - where else - with the 1998 final, which ends with ZZ’s face projected onto the Arc de Triomphe  and the first ever chants of ‘Zizou President’. We also briefly reflect on Zidane’s encouraging start at the head of les Bleus. 

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. Our final episode previews the basket case that is l'Olympique de Marseille, currently lying in the relegation zone...Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side.We conclude with Lorient, now led by Dujeux following the successful Pantaloni era. Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.  

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. We head to Brest, who are recovering from the tragic death of manager and figurehead Eric Roy.Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.  

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. Now for a quick look at Chelsea's reserves! (RC Strasbourg)Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. Our focus turns to Lyon and Fonseca - self-anointed "best manager of the club's recent history" . Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. We head South (West) to the kings of data-driven recruitment: Toulouse FCEach episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.

We’re doing something a little different on le Classique for the 26-27 season, with a short episode previewing each side. Next is Auxerre, and the comeback of (former?) managerial prodigy Will Still. Each episode will follow a similar structure with 1. Reflections on last season , 2. The club’s identity and expectations, 3. Info on the manager, 4. Review of their their transfer window, and 5. Predictions for the season ahead.