Zinedine Zidane defends Ousmane Dembele after criticism of France form

Zinedine Zidane has defended Ousmane Dembele after the France forward was questioned over his performances for the national team, insisting he remains satisfied with the player’s contribution despite his failure to score in their first three matches during the current international break.

Dembele is expected to have another opportunity to make an impact when France face Belgium on Monday in the fourth round of the Nations League. The Paris Saint-Germain player is reportedly relaxed about the situation and confident he can change the outcome against Belgium, according to French broadcaster RMC.

Zidane appeared irritated when asked to compare Dembele’s displays for Paris Saint-Germain with those he has produced for France.

“What does that mean? In Paris Saint-Germain he is better, and here what?” Zidane said, in what was described as his first clear sign of frustration since taking charge of the national team.

The France manager then offered firm support for the forward, highlighting the work he does away from the ball rather than focusing solely on his lack of goals.

“I found him good in the three matches we have seen him in. Ousmane does what Ousmane does. I am satisfied with what he is doing on the pitch because he moves a lot,” Zidane said.

“That is what matters to us because he does it very well. I do not have much to criticise him for.”

Asked whether Dembele had lacked effectiveness in front of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Zidane again rejected the suggestion that the player’s performances should be judged only by whether he scores.

“It is true that he did not score, but he had chances,” he said. “Then we are always thinking about the goal and saying that he must score, whereas I see things differently. I am satisfied with what I have seen from my players.”

Dembele is understood to be handling the criticism calmly. He has been accustomed to questions about his performances throughout his career, both at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, as well as with France.

France began their Nations League campaign with 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium before drawing 1-1 with Italy in the third round. Despite remaining without a goal across those three matches, Dembele continues to have Zidane’s backing ahead of Monday’s meeting with Belgium.