Zidane opens the thorny files in his first press conference: Mbappe, Benzema and Ceuta on the table
Zidane sketches out the future of France
Zinedine Zidane has laid out the outlines of his France project in his first press conference as head coach, naming a squad for four UEFA Nations League matches while addressing Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, Aurélien Tchouaméni, the controversy surrounding Ceuta, and his technical choices for the new squad.
Mbappé will be the France captain, Zidane confirmed, hailing the forward's ability to play in all three attacking positions.
"He is capable of playing in all three positions, and I really admire him in the left wing role, for example," Zidane said. He refused to be drawn on the Ballon d'Or, insisting his focus is on the next four matches.
Benzema drew warm words. "I love him," Zidane said of the years the pair spent together at Real Madrid. He explained, though, that the French striker has advanced in age and that he currently needs to see younger players, stressing that this takes nothing away from Benzema's career with France or his clubs.
Tchouaméni's exclusion came down to his physical condition, Zidane explained, after two months out and just 180 minutes of football, only one of those matches as a starter. Staying at Real Madrid to complete his recovery is "better for him", the coach said, with the national team facing four matches in a short period.
On the Ceuta crisis, Zidane refused to be drawn. "I am focused on my role as coach of the France national team. I have convictions, and like anyone else I am a citizen, but I have nothing to say," he said, keeping his attention firmly on his mission with the national team.
No radical change in the national team
There will be no wholesale overhaul of the side Didier Deschamps left behind. "There is no need for a radical change, just a team to manage in a different way," Zidane explained, pointing out that the national team has produced good levels so far despite some fluctuations.
The technical staff and the players will have 15 days together, he added, during which they will play four matches with a three-day gap. That makes the participation of all players necessary while maintaining the balance he described as an essential element of his ideas.
Why a squad of 23, with 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers? Zidane did not want players stuck in the stands, he explained, and the current squad does not close the door on others.
Da Cunha, Liepol and Jacquet: new choices
Lucas Da Cunha and Maxence Lacroix both deserved their call-ups, according to Zidane. He called Da Cunha an interesting player with a distinctive personality, while describing Lacroix as a very good player, noting his move to a big club and his left foot.
Esteban Liepol offers something different, Zidane said, especially in tight spaces. He wants to see the player up close after following and analysing him, and pointed to his ability to score goals.
Rayan Cherki earned the label of "a true number 10", singled out for his dribbling and his ability to play between the lines. His call-up alongside Zaïre-Emery, Zidane revealed, was aimed at using him in midfield.
Jérémy Jacquet has been on Zidane's radar for a long time, and the coach admitted he has been very impressed by the player's characteristics. Andy Diouf and Adrien Truffert made the cut, he explained, because they can play in their positions and at this level with the national team.
The situation of Kanté, Gusto and Akliouche
Leaving out N'Golo Kanté was a technical decision, Zidane confirmed, and no slight on a player he described as "exceptional". Kanté is 35 now, though, and the coach must take his decisions according to the needs of the team.
Malo Gusto and Michael Akliouche remain in his plans despite their absence, he explained. He picked only 20 outfield players this time and did not want to leave others in the stands. Both stay in the running for the next squad.
Guillaume Restes was a considered choice, Zidane said of the Toulouse goalkeeper, pointing out that he and Fabien Barthez share the same vision on the qualities a goalkeeper needs.
No exaggeration in attack
Tactically, Zidane raised the possibility of fielding Mbappé, Dembélé and Michael Olise in their positions while making use of the players' ability to cover more than one role. On playing with four forwards, though, he was blunt: "There is no need to exaggerate."
He refused to treat Mbappé's defensive work as a problem, calling the debate "sterile". When the team loses the ball, he explained, every player must make the effort to win it back.
France's fans want to see their team win and keep on winning, Zidane concluded, with the side now preparing for the start of a new phase under his leadership.
