In the fourth matchday of the UEFA Nations League A, France secured a 4-1 comeback victory against Belgium at home. After the match, France's manager Z. Zidane held a press conference to answer questions from the media. Below is the second part of the conference.

Related reading: [Z. Zidane: "These 15 days have given us solid foundations; Yoro's call-up was planned"]

Good evening, Zinedine. Regarding Ousmane Dembélé, you deployed him as a right winger today, and previously you tried him as a false nine. In your tactical system, where do you see the greatest potential for improvement for him?

He can perform well in both positions and has played at a high level on the left wing in the past. We are accustomed to seeing Ousmane active across all areas of the offensive line and he can deliver strong performances in different positions. I am very satisfied with his efforts. He is our leader on the pitch and sets an impeccable example for the entire squad.

Belgian reporter: Good evening, Zinedine. I know this concerns the opposing team, but as a coach who was a master of midfield, do you appreciate the performance of Belgian midfielder Lavia, particularly that exquisite pass that cut through the defense?

I haven't examined his entire performance in detail; that's not my role. However, when reviewing the goal we conceded before halftime, I specifically studied that pass of his. The Belgian team has many players with exceptional individual talent, and both starters and substitutes possess strong abilities, always creating immense defensive pressure for opponents. Fortunately, however, we responded very effectively.

Good evening, Zinedine. The French squad once again showed an offensive surge in the second half. Almost every match during this camp has followed this pattern. How do you explain the team's difficulty in breaking the deadlock in the first half?

Frankly, it's difficult to pin it down to a single reason. Competitive football sometimes develops this way, and the course of these four matches has simply followed this pattern. I sincerely hope that in the next match we'll score early in the first half, so you won't keep bringing up this point! (laughs) There's not much to explain in depth; it's simply how the game evolves on the pitch.

Good evening, Zinedine. Over these four matches, you've experimented with different lineup combinations. Do you already have a clear idea of your starting XI? If possible, could you reveal some key names?

I cannot disclose that. This camp and the four-match program are now concluded, and we've achieved satisfactory results. Tomorrow, I'll conduct a thorough review with my technical staff, and then I'll plan the next tactical arrangements.

Good evening. Unlike Italy's conservative approach, Belgium actively sought to attack. Does playing against a more open team make it easier to execute your tactics? Additionally, the three substitutes you brought on in the second half immediately reinvigorated the entire attack, electrifying the Stade de France. What are your thoughts on these substitutions?

Indeed. Playing against opponents who are open and actively committed to attacking often makes for a more entertaining match and provides more tactical space. As you said, the performance of the substitutes was excellent. This fully demonstrates that everyone in the squad is always ready to give their all, and this comeback is the result of the entire team's collective effort.

Good evening, Zinedine. In recent days, you've repeatedly mentioned feeling a sense of loss when the camp ends and you must part with the players. Perhaps this question is a bit direct: for someone who deeply loves the training ground and the details of coaching, to what extent does the non-daily working model of a national team manager fulfill you and bring you joy?

It was a conscious choice on my part, so I fully understand what this job entails. Certainly, I miss the daily interaction of a club. Tomorrow and the day after, when the players go their separate ways, I will inevitably feel a touch of melancholy, but that emotion will quickly transform into new motivation for my work. I will continue to closely follow the players' activities at their clubs, observe them in person, and fully support them from afar. My work never stops; I will continue to implement all my plans. While it is certainly bittersweet to see the players return to their respective clubs tomorrow, this is the path of a coach that I love and have chosen.

Good evening, Zinedine. Tonight, you deployed young Restes in goal, a decision that initially surprised many observers when it was announced. How do you assess his performance tonight and his contribution to the squad during the camp?

Impeccable, a performance of the highest level. This was evident not only in the ninety minutes tonight, but also underlies my decision to start him. Throughout the entire training period, all three of our goalkeepers have performed exceptionally well. Jean-Buttez has been very focused in training. Ultimately, we decided to have Restes play because, in long-term preparation for the future, should Maignan suffer an unexpected injury, the squad must ensure that the backup goalkeeper has real experience in important matches. He has integrated into the squad through these fifteen days of training, but most importantly, he needed to get on the pitch and feel the immense pressure of a match. After careful consideration with Fabian, our goalkeeper coach, I made the decision to start Restes, and the practical result was exceptional. I am genuinely delighted with his development.

Tradotto dall'IA.

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