Zidane compares his style to Van Bommel ahead of duel with Belgium

Zinédine Zidane is in his second match as head coach of France facing Belgium, where he meets the new manager Van Bommel. At the press conference Zidane emphasized that both teams have a new coach and praised the quality of the Red Devils.

‘We are playing against a side that also has a new coach,’ Zidane said at the press conference. He praised the Red Devils as a good team that played an excellent World Cup last summer. With their individual talents he expects a very tough match.

Zidane and Van Bommel were both top midfielders, but each with his own approach. ‘We didn’t exactly have the same playing style,’ Zidane laughed. He recalled how Van Bommel often challenged him with tackles, but he appreciated his character and personality on the pitch.

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Leadership and substitute captains

Kylian Mbappé was injured in the match against Turkey, prompting Zidane to call upon the leadership qualities of Ousmane Dembélé. The PSG striker wears the captain’s armband against Belgium. ‘He is my vice‑captain and fulfills his role even without the official title,’ Zidane explained.

‘He is a good guy, always ready to help others,’ Zidane emphasized about Dembélé’s influence in the dressing room.

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According to Zidane, Dembélé, who played fewer minutes at the start of the season due to an injury, is now in top shape. ‘He has an incredible work ethic, can easily play ninety minutes and could even play every match,’ he added, without promising that he will do so.