Zinedine Zidane says France will make further changes against Belgium as he looks to give all 23 players a role during his first international break as manager.
Zidane has made an encouraging start since taking charge after the World Cup, leading France to narrow 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium before a 1-1 draw with Italy at Stade de France on Friday.
The result was the first time France had failed to win under their new manager, although Zidane admitted the end of his first spell with the squad carried mixed emotions after spending more than two weeks working with his players.
“The requirements are the same, but the difference is that working with a national team is different from working at a club,” Zidane said at his news conference before the return meeting with Belgium.
“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 project will take time, despite his determination to win every match.
“We always want to win because we are competitors,” he said. “The important thing is to prepare properly for the matches and feel comfortable on the pitch. I am very happy with the mentality I have seen so far.”
The former France midfielder added: “I have clear convictions, I love the France team and I have high-quality players, but I know it will take time. I am very pleased with what I have seen.”
Zidane wants more than possession
Zidane also revealed that the current Paris Saint-Germain side has influenced his thinking, particularly its attacking approach and aggressive pressing high up the pitch.
“They are an attacking team and they press hard in advanced areas of the pitch to try to win the ball back from the opponent,” he said. “They want to have the ball, not chase it.”
He added: “I was a playmaker and I loved having possession of the ball. We do not want sterile possession; we want to be able to move quickly into the final third. That will come.”
Zidane said he was disappointed that his time with the players was coming to an end.
“It was great to spend 15 days with the players, and I feel some frustration that this period is finishing,” he said. “We still have one final effort to make so that we leave the camp feeling happy.”
France set to rotate against Belgium
The France manager confirmed there would be more changes to his starting line-up against Belgium, as he manages four scheduled matches during the international period.
“Yes, there will be changes, as there were before,” Zidane said. “We have four matches, so we will make adjustments during these games, and perhaps some additional changes.”
He added: “We played on Friday and we are now on the eve of the 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 seeking revenge for their previous 1-0 defeat by France, having entered that match with confidence after a convincing victory over Turkey.
Zidane is aiming to complete his first international break with another win. It would be his first victory at Stade de France since becoming France manager and would allow him to continue building his new project with confidence.
