France will make changes for Monday night’s Nations League meeting with Belgium, with Zinédine Zidane balancing a demanding international window against the need to keep building a side still finding its rhythms together.
Speaking before the 20:45 kick-off, the France coach was relaxed but gave little away on his planned selection after the previous match against Turkey. He confirmed rotation was coming, while refusing to reveal the scale of it or provide tactical clues to Belgium.
“There will definitely be changes,” Zidane said. “How many, you will see tomorrow. There has been very little time, with travel in between.”
The priority in the short gap between fixtures has been recovery rather than long sessions on the training pitch. Players involved in the last match have mainly rested and received treatment, while France have also used video work to prepare for Belgium.
Recovery first as France seek another win
Zidane insisted that results remain essential, but said the squad’s development depends on players becoming familiar with one another during a compressed run of matches.
“Everything matters, but the main thing is getting to know each other,” he said. “We have spent more time resting and recovering than training because there is not enough time. We are competitors and, above all, we want to win.”
France’s coach wants his team to improve their work both with and without the ball. His broad objective is to regain possession quickly, then use it with purpose rather than spend long periods chasing opponents.
“We want to win the ball back as quickly as possible, but especially to have it,” he explained. “We want to run with the ball, not without it.”
The final training session before the match was expected to include additional tactical work, supported by a sizeable backroom staff.
Dembélé ready to lead in Mbappé’s absence
Ousmane Dembélé will captain France while Kylian Mbappé is unavailable, though Zidane believes the forward already carries leadership responsibilities as vice-captain.
“He already does it,” Zidane said of Dembélé’s influence. “He is vice-captain and has that role even when he does not wear the armband. He is a good person, always there for the others, and his experience is important.”
Zidane said he expects contributions from the entire group rather than only its designated leaders. Having spent a week together, he described the mood inside the camp as positive and urged the players to appreciate their time with the national side.
Now 54, Zidane reflected on how quickly a playing career and international opportunities can pass. “Football moves so fast,” he said. “I tell them to enjoy the moment because it flies by. Playing for France is something so special, and I want them to live those moments.”
Confidence in France’s centre-forward
Zidane also backed his number nine to build on the display produced in France’s opening match. While acknowledging that Belgium will pose a different challenge, he praised the striker’s workload, energy and ability to last the full match.
“I expect what he did in the first game,” Zidane said. “His volume of work is extremely interesting. His energy is incredible and he can play 90 minutes easily.”
The coach added that the player’s physical management is carefully monitored at club level and remains part of discussions with France. Zidane said the forward feels well and is happy in the camp, joking that he could play all four matches of the sequence, although France will not ask him to do so.
Cherki’s qualities beyond the ball
Rayan Cherki’s recent performance also earned warm words from Zidane, who highlighted the attacking midfielder’s creative instincts while stressing the importance of his off-ball contribution.
Zidane described Cherki as a natural player on the ball, capable of receiving possession between the lines and producing exceptional passes. The coach was particularly encouraged by moments when Cherki played forward early, turning possession into an immediate threat.
“What interests me is what he can do without the ball,” Zidane said. “He can receive it between the lines and find incredible passes. When he plays vertically, it can become dangerous straight away.”
Monday’s game will also bring Zidane back to a Belgian stadium where he featured in France’s extra-time 2-1 Euro 2000 semi-final victory over Portugal. He said Fabien Barthez had reminded him of the occasion, recalling it as a happy memory.
