Zidane defends Dembélé after Puel's criticism of Belgium's defeat

In the dressing room of the Parc des Princes, the French team players were preparing to face Belgium under the Monday night lights. At the centre of the scene, Ousmane Dembélé, starting on the right wing, was under the watchful eyes of Zinédine Zidane.

Analysis of the manager and the coach

Paris Saint-Germain’s number 7 opened the match by firing a shot, then saw his attempts end in repeated misses, which fed the French’s disappointment. Claude Puel, former coach, lamented that the player was unable to express his qualities, stating: “He struggles to get into his games. When Doué, Olise or Cherki come on, they are players who ‘light up’ and instantly ignite the match. With Dembélé, that spontaneity is missing. He doesn’t free himself, it looks like he’s stuck.”

Michael Olise came on for Dembélé at halftime, providing an energy contrast that Puel highlighted. Despite the criticism, Zinédine Zidane defended his player, stating: “I thought Ousmane was very good. He was very dynamic on his right side. There is no problem there. He can play in all three positions, also on the left, and he is good everywhere. I am satisfied with what he did. He is an exemplary captain.”

After the match, the manager reminded that the international break was over and that the 2025 Ballon d’Or would soon return to his club. The same evening, PSG was scheduled to host Le Mans at the Parc des Princes for the sixth round of Ligue 1.