Zinedine Zidane bets on balance before the duel against the Devils

Zinedine Zidane gave the Bleus their first victory as head of the national team since Aimé Jacquet, by winning in Turkey, which boosts confidence ahead of Monday evening’s duel in Brussels. The result marks a first historic success for the new manager.

Historic first victory

This victory represents the first triumph of a French manager since Aimé Jacquet. Zidane was able to draw a positive assessment from his start, even though the performance was not perfect.

The match took place in the stands of the Kocaeli Stadium in Izmit, Turkey. Despite some weaknesses, the overall play gave the coach a good feeling.

Mike Maignan had to intervene several times, while Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal before leaving the pitch injured. The Bleus kept their advantage thanks to that goal.

“We have to work on many things but we can be satisfied, and simply tell ourselves that this is the normal process. I am happy with what I have seen, the things that have been put in place,” said Zinedine Zidane. “The high press, we did it very well, we tried to win the ball back quickly. It was interesting for us and we kept a balance throughout the match.”

Stakes of the next duel

The Bleus are now preparing for Monday evening’s match in Brussels, where they will face the Devils. This encounter will be decisive to consolidate the work started in Turkey.

“The message was to have fun, be together, make the efforts as a team, and that’s what we did. If there is something particular, it is the balance we maintained after each loss of the ball, it is very important for us,” Zidane continued.

Manu Koné could play a key role against the Devils. “He is not used to playing there, I wanted to see that side precisely, and he was very good in the balance,” the manager highlighted.

The match will be refereed by an official known to the Devils, but less appreciated by Van Bommel, recalling a mixed memory for Belgium.