Zinedine Zidane has strongly defended Ousmane Dembele after the France forward was questioned over his performances during the current international break.
Dembele has not scored in Les Bleus’ first three matches of the break, but Zidane said he remains satisfied with the Paris Saint-Germain player’s contribution to the team’s overall performance.
Dembele is reportedly taking the criticism calmly and believes he can change the course of the game when France face Belgium on Monday in the fourth round of the Nations League, according to French broadcaster RMC.
Zidane appeared irritated when a journalist asked him to compare Dembele’s form for Paris Saint-Germain with his displays for France.
“What does that mean? He is better at Paris Saint-Germain, and here what?” Zidane said, in what was perhaps his first clear sign of frustration since taking charge of the national team.
The France manager then expanded on his support for Dembele, insisting the player had performed well across the three matches in which he had featured.
“I found him good in the three matches we have seen him in. Ousmane does what Ousmane does,” Zidane said.
“I am happy with what he does on the pitch because he moves a lot… That is what matters to us, because he does it very well. I do not have much to criticise him for.”
Dembele’s lack of a goal has been highlighted particularly in relation to his opportunities against Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Zidane said the forward’s inability to score should not overshadow the rest of his work.
“It is true that he has not scored, but he has had chances,” he said. “We are always thinking about the goal and saying that he must score, but I see things differently. I am happy with what I have seen from my players.”
Dembele is also understood to be dealing with the situation without concern. He has become accustomed to criticism during his career, whether playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona or France.
France beat Turkey and then Belgium by the same 1-0 scoreline before drawing 1-1 with Italy in the third round of the Nations League.
The next fixture against Belgium is scheduled for Monday, with Dembele aiming to respond on the pitch to the scrutiny surrounding his performances and Zidane continuing to underline the value of his all-round contribution.