

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | Adrien Rabiot, the AC Milan midfielder, has found himself at the center of a brewing storm within the French national team. Reports from RMC Sport suggest that RMC Rabiot infuriated Zidane’s staff with suggestions that he’s no longer a starter, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the squad. The 28-year-old, who has been a mainstay for Les Bleus in recent years, appears to be losing his grip on a starting position under Zinedine Zidane, and his attitude has reportedly not helped his cause.
According to Jean-Louis Tourre of RMC Sport, speaking on the ‘After Foot’ show, Rabiot’s behavior during a recent training session raised eyebrows. “He warmed up very slowly; his boots weren’t ready,” Tourre said. “This infuriated the French national team staff, who couldn’t understand why he was taking so long to warm up.” The incident has led to calls for a change in the midfield setup, with Tourre suggesting that the team should move on from Rabiot and instead deploy Da Cunha in front of the defence and Camavinga as a midfielder.
The controversy comes after a solid World Cup campaign for Rabiot, where he was expected to be a key figure in Zidane’s plans. However, the manager has not started him in two of the four games during the current international break, signaling a potential shift in the pecking order. This development has only intensified the debate around Rabiot’s future with the national team.
It was RMC Rabiot infuriated Zidane’s staff with suggestions that he’s no longer a starter, and the fallout has been significant. The midfielder’s slow warm-up was seen as a lack of professionalism, especially given the high stakes of international football. The French staff, known for their meticulous preparation, were reportedly baffled by Rabiot’s casual approach, which they interpreted as a sign of complacency.
Rabiot’s situation is further complicated by the emergence of talented alternatives. Da Cunha, who has impressed in training, and Camavinga, a rising star, are both pushing for more prominent roles. Their readiness to step up has made Rabiot’s position even more precarious. The coaching staff is said to be seriously considering a midfield reshuffle that would see Rabiot drop to the bench, a move that would have been unthinkable just months ago.
The midfielder’s relationship with the staff has reportedly soured, and it will take a significant effort for him to regain his starting spot. RMC Rabiot infuriated Zidane’s staff with suggestions that he’s no longer a starter, and the incident has become a talking point among fans and pundits alike. Some believe that Rabiot’s time as an automatic starter is over, while others argue that his experience and quality are still invaluable to the team.
Zinedine Zidane, who took over the French national team with high expectations, is known for his demanding standards and tactical flexibility. He has shown a willingness to make tough decisions, and Rabiot’s recent behavior may have pushed him to the brink. The manager’s staff are reportedly united in their frustration, and it seems that Rabiot will need to prove his commitment if he hopes to win back their trust.
From a tactical perspective, Rabiot’s skill set—his ability to drive forward with the ball, his physicality, and his passing range—remains valuable. However, modern football demands more than just technical ability; it requires discipline, work rate, and a team-first mentality. If Rabiot is perceived as lacking in those areas, his exclusion could become permanent.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Rabiot. He will have opportunities to impress in training and in matches, but the margin for error is slim. The French national team is blessed with an abundance of midfield talent, and competition for places is fierce. Rabiot must demonstrate that he is not only a talented player but also a reliable and dedicated professional.
In conclusion, the report that RMC Rabiot infuriated Zidane’s staff with suggestions that he’s no longer a starter has exposed a growing rift between the player and the coaching team. While Rabiot’s talent is undeniable, his recent conduct has raised questions about his attitude and commitment. With younger players knocking on the door, Rabiot faces an uphill battle to reclaim his starting role. The saga serves as a reminder that in top-level football, no one’s position is guaranteed, and even established stars must constantly prove their worth. Only time will tell if Rabiot can turn the situation around and force his way back into Zidane’s plans.
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