Zidane praises the decisive second half of France against Belgium
At the Stade de France, the new manager of the French national team, Zinédine Zidane, praised his side’s performance against Belgium in the Nations League, highlighting how they turned the score around to win 4-1. He expressed his enthusiasm in an interview broadcast on TF1, recalling the difficulties of the first half and the success of the second. The French side thus gave the supporters a memorable spectacle, just before the jubilee of Robert Pirès in Metz.
Prelude to the jubilee of Robert Pirès in Metz
The match served as good preparation for the jubilee of Robert Pirès in Metz, scheduled shortly after the game. That evening allowed the players to focus fully, knowing that the show in Metz would be a highlight of the season. The French side thus could test their new tactical options in a relaxed setting.
Zidane comments on his first success at the Stade de France
“It’s football, it’s what we love, that’s it,” Zinédine Zidane said on TF1, recalling the difficulties encountered in the first half. He added that correcting the shot was essential and that the French side had managed to produce an extraordinary second half. According to him, the group started well, but they lacked a few metres and rhythm, which made the first period difficult.
The impact of the changes: Doué, Cherki and Olise
The simultaneous introductions of Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise allowed France to score four goals in fourteen minutes. “We knew that with the changes we could change the game, because they are players of great quality,” Zidane continued. He emphasized that each player who came on scored, confirming the relevance of the tactical choice.
An emotional scene at the Stade de France between Zidane and Jacquet
Despite the victory, Zidane recalled the difficulties in breaking down the Belgian defence, which was very compact that Monday evening. He noted that the team lacked occupation of the area, over‑runs and crosses, but that this would improve gradually. He also reiterated the group’s record: three wins, one draw and ten points, a result he considers satisfactory.
The manager expressed his pride in the players’ mindset, highlighting professionalism and cohesion during the fifteen days spent together. He admitted that seeing the players return to their clubs would be “a bit frustrating”, but stressed the pleasure of having shared this moment with them.
Leny Yoro impresses against Lukaku in his first France cap
In conclusion, Zidane mentioned that all the players had embraced the project, even those who had not started, such as Jean Butez. He also praised the performance of Leny Yoro, who benefited from the injury of Jérémy. Finally, he reminded that the French side will meet again at the end of November during the next international break.