Deschamps marvels at Zidane's incredible Champions League success
Zinedine Zidane deserves all the plaudits bound to come his way after another Real Madrid success, according to compatriot Didier Deschamps.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cL7jvWzeoHgLbofZiJ7XRF.jpg)
Didier Deschamps hailed Zinedine Zidane as an "extraordinary" coach after his former team-mate led Real Madrid to a third straight Champions League triumph.
The 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev, which came courtesy of two Loris Karius errors and a stunning Gareth Bale bicycle kick, saw Madrid become the first club to complete a three-peat in over 40 years.
The victory was another vindication of Zidane's appointment as Rafael Benitez's successor in January 2016, with the former France international joining Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti as the only men to have guided teams to European football's top prize on three occasions.
Les Bleus boss Deschamps played alongside the 45-year-old at both club and international level and was full of praise for what he has achieved in a short managerial career.
"It's fabulous. You can only admire what he's doing," Deschamps told Telefoot.
"He was an extraordinary player and he's already an extraordinary coach."
Zidane since his appointment in 2016 UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Super CupClub World CupLigaSpanish Super CupMay 26, 2018
Deschamps, who won the Champions League as a player in 1993, is preparing to guide France through their upcoming World Cup campaign.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot was omitted from the 23-man squad bound for Russia and rejected the chance to be named as a reserve, criticising the decision as lacking logic.
But former Juventus coach Deschamps stood by his choice and suggested the 23-year-old should assess his performances for the national team.
"He only has to look closely at the matches he has played for France," said the 49-year-old.
"Maybe he has a different analysis. He made that decision [to reject a reserve spot] which is obviously a mistake."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack