Ahead of the UEFA Nations League match between France and Belgium, France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane held a pre-match press conference, discussing topics including squad rotation, his feelings about coaching the French national team, and Cristiano Ronaldo's career. This is the first part of the press conference.

Second Part of Press Conference

Zinedine Zidane: Our Positioning in the Penalty Area Could Have Been Better, but Our Passing Was Fine

RTL Reporter: In previous press conferences, you've told us the goal is to win. Does that mean a draw on Friday makes tomorrow's victory even more necessary?

Actually, we always want to win because we all have a competitive spirit. When we take the field tomorrow, we will also be looking to win—that's obvious. Of course, I can't say a win isn't the most important thing. What matters is preparing well for the match, especially playing the way we want to play on the pitch, and letting everyone play freely. For now, I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing, especially the team's spirit. That's what matters most to me.

RMC Reporter: Following up on my colleague's question, despite the result of the last match, will there still be significant rotation tomorrow, similar to what we saw in Brussels? Specifically, will there be changes in goal?

There will definitely be adjustments. This is our fourth match. We just played on Friday, and now it's the day before the next game. So we can't just make random changes. Besides, we have 23 players, and giving everyone a chance is important too. We'll make thoughtful adjustments; the key is ensuring the team remains competitive in this match.

FootTheo Reporter: Following your previous answer, you've used three different starting lineups in three matches. As you said, it's to see how each player performs, but what's the specific objective? Is it to determine your starting XI, or is it to show players there's no fixed starter or substitute in your team?

Mainly, I want to tell everyone that we're all involved, and each player is important to this team. That's the message I want to convey. There's fierce competition in the team, and the players know it, but I'll rely on each of them. That's the main message.

France Télévisions Sports Reporter: This squad has the most new faces at the full-back positions. Are you satisfied with their performances so far?

Yes, very much. As you mentioned, we called up several new players for those positions, so I'm very pleased with what I've seen.

beIN Sports Reporter: You've been with the French national team for 15 days. Do you feel more comfortable now than 15 days ago? What changes have these 15 days brought?

I don't know. It's just been another 15 days, that's all. Seriously, it's been great spending these 15 days with the players. Now I'm a bit sad because this training camp will end soon, but that's the rhythm of our work.

We have one more final match to play, and we need to push a bit so everyone leaves this camp happy. In any case, I'm already happy. The players have trained very well—that's what matters most. Now, if we can finish with a win, that will be even better.

Infosport+ Reporter: As Clément mentioned, we're gradually getting to know you as France's coach. When you sit here before us, how genuine are you?

I'm sorry, what did you say?

As France's coach, when you speak publicly, you have to consider both your own interests and France's interests. In that situation, how genuine are you with us?

To be honest, there are some things I probably won't say. But as for what I do say, or at least the message I want to convey, I try to be objective and sincere. Of course, like everyone else, I can make mistakes, and that's completely normal. But I have my convictions and things I want to do. I love the French national team, and I have a group of very good players.

I know it takes time. But today this is my second-to-last press conference of this training camp, because there's one more after the match. I'm very satisfied and very happy with what I've seen. I know we still have work to do, and we'll get to it. But I'm really very pleased.

Ville Reporter: You've been coaching France for about ten days. Compared to your time at Real Madrid, what differences have you already felt? What's the difference between coaching a national team and coaching a club?

Indeed, there are some differences. At Real Madrid, in terms of demands, both are equally demanding, and the expectations are equally high. The French national team is at the highest level, and you know what club Real Madrid is.

But the difference might be that daily work at a club never stops, and it really takes up a lot of time and energy. I really enjoyed that work.

Now I have a new role, and I'll try to work in a way that suits it; the approach will be a bit different. But in any case, the desire to do my job well with the team around me remains the same.

L'Équipe Reporter: You spoke about giving playing time to all players. Leny Yoro hasn't played yet, nor have two goalkeepers after Maignan. Will you change the goalkeeper tomorrow? Will Leny Yoro get playing time?

You'll see tomorrow. Indeed, Leny Yoro hasn't played yet. We'll see if he gets a chance tomorrow. The same goes for the goalkeepers. We know Maignan is our first-choice goalkeeper. The other two goalkeepers have also trained very well. I had a brief word with Barthez, but you'll see tomorrow if there are changes.

Belgian Television Reporter: Belgium has lost six matches in a row to France. It's almost become a psychological burden for us, and I'm wondering if there's anything you can do to help us with that. More seriously, what do you think about Belgium's match against Turkey? I assume you've carefully analyzed the footage and compared it to their first performance against France.

To be honest, even in the first match I thought Belgium played very well. At times, they even created tactical difficulties for us. It shows they're a very proactive team, one that can get results.

We made adjustments, stabilized the situation again, and ultimately won the match. I watched their match against Turkey. Belgium, regardless of who they're playing, is capable of creating problems for their opponents. Overall, that's definitely the case. At the same time, they also have very talented players with outstanding individual abilities.

Le Parisien Reporter: PSG has been European champions for the past two years. As a coach, do you value this team's philosophy of play?

Yes, very much. Because they're a very proactive team—they press high up the pitch. Once they win the ball, they want to play with it rather than chase it. All of that aligns with my philosophy. I was an attacking midfielder, so I don't like chasing the ball; I like running with it.

Of course, what we need to achieve now, and what we still need to work on, is not just keeping the ball without creating a threat. Once we enter the final thirty or forty meters, we need to accelerate, have that speed, and find gaps that allow us to create real danger. But these things will come gradually.

PSG Community Reporter: I'd like to ask about the emotional side of this role. There's a lot of pressure around you, and there are many expectations. How do you handle this pressure in your daily work?

I've always had pressure. Originally I was a player, and it's been that way since I was young. In any case, I thrive with this tension. As people say, this pressure motivates me. I like this feeling, quite a bit actually. Most importantly, I love what I do. It's truly a pleasure to be here with the players.

Переведено ИИ.

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