Zinedine Zidane promises changes as France seek response against Belgium

Zinedine Zidane says France will make further changes against Belgium as he looks to end his first international break as manager with victory at Stade de France.

Zidane has made a positive start since taking charge after the World Cup, guiding France to difficult 1-0 wins over Turkey and Belgium before Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy.

That result was his first setback as France manager, although the team’s attacking performances have yet to reach the expected level.

“The demands are the same, but working with a national team is different from working at a club,” Zidane said at his pre-match news conference. “I used to enjoy the daily work, and now I have a different role, but my desire to work in harmony with my team has not changed.”

Zidane acknowledged that his new project would require patience, despite his determination to win every match.

“We always want to win because we are competitors,” he said. “The most important thing is to prepare properly for the matches and feel comfortable on the pitch. I am very pleased with the mentality I have seen so far.”

The former France playmaker said he had clear ideas about the direction he wanted the national team to take and was encouraged by the quality of the squad.

“I have strong convictions, I love the France team and I have top-level players, but I know it will take time,” he added. “I am very happy with what I have seen.”

Zidane also admitted he was disappointed that the international break was coming to an end after spending more than two weeks with his players.

“It was great to spend 15 days with the players, and I feel some frustration that this period is ending,” he said. “We still have one final effort to make so that we can leave the camp happy.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking approach and aggressive pressing have also influenced Zidane’s thinking as he develops his style with France.

“Definitely, very much,” he said when asked about the club’s influence. “They are an attacking team and press high up the pitch to try to win the ball back from the opposition. They want to have possession of the ball, not chase it.”

Zidane added: “I was a playmaker and I loved having the ball. We do not want possession for its own sake; we want to be able to move forward quickly into the final third. That will come.”

France are expected to make several changes against Belgium, with Zidane keen to use as many of his players as possible across the four matches scheduled during this period.

“Yes, there will be changes, as there have been before,” he said. “We have four matches, so we will make adjustments during those games, and perhaps some additional changes.”

He added: “We played on Friday and we are now on the eve of another match, so we should not do anything simply to win. We will give our best, but with all 23 players. There will be some further changes, yes.”

Belgium will be motivated by a desire to avenge their previous 1-0 defeat, having entered that match high in confidence after a big win over Turkey.

Zidane is seeking another victory in his first international break in charge, which would also be his first at Stade de France as France manager.