Zinedine Zidane backs Dembélé to silence critics after quiet France spell

France manager Zinédine Zidane has defended Ousmane Dembélé after the Ballon d’Or winner came under criticism for his performances during the current international break.

Dembélé entered the camp amid increased scrutiny over his reported relationship with Kylian Mbappé, with the two France forwards said to have developed a “frosty” relationship as Mbappé continues to promote his chances of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Dembélé responded to Mbappé’s “chosen one” jibe and later said he “refuses to sell” himself, in an apparent reference to the Real Madrid forward’s public comments about his own Ballon d’Or prospects.

Dembélé yet to score under Zidane

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch during the international window.

Dembélé has failed to score in France’s three matches and has been operating in his preferred No.9 position.

Mbappé, meanwhile, started on the left during France’s opening match of the Zidane era, a 1-0 victory over Türkiye. The Real Madrid forward was subsequently injured during the game and withdrew from the squad.

With France’s all-time leading scorer unavailable, Dembélé has been unable to fill the attacking void, leading to criticism of his performances.

Zidane backs Dembélé to respond

Zidane, however, has dismissed the criticism and insisted that Dembélé’s movement remains an important part of what he offers France.

“At PSG, he is better, and what is he here? Ousmane is Ousmane. He moves a lot; he ‘loses’ his position and that is what is interesting to us. I don’t have any reason to criticise him. The player remains calm, calm about his performance against Italy. He is counting on making up for it against Belgium,” said Zidane ahead of France’s final match of the extended international window against Belgium on Monday night.

The France manager will now hope Dembélé can respond on the pitch and provide the attacking contribution France have been missing during Mbappé’s absence.