France: Zidane defends Dembélé

02.10.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

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Ousmane Dembélé retains Zinédine Zidane’s full confidence. Criticised for his performances with the France team, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has yet to find the back of the net in the first three matches of the international window. A situation that does not worry his coach.

Zidane satisfied with Dembélé

Asked about the supposed difference in level between Dembélé with PSG and with Les Bleus, Zinédine Zidane made no secret of his irritation at the comparison. The France coach believes, on the contrary, that his player delivered in the three matches played recently. “Ousmane is doing what he does,” Zidane notably explained, saying he was satisfied with his activity on the pitch.

For the France coach, Dembélé’s movement is notably an important element in his team’s attacking play. He therefore appreciates the work done by the forward, even when it does not directly result in a goal.

“He had chances”

Zidane above all refuses to judge Dembélé solely through his attacking statistics. The Parisian forward did not score in the first three matches, but he created dangerous opportunities. For Zidane, this ability to create chances remains a positive sign.

We always think about the goal and say that he has to score, whereas I see things differently.

France began this sequence with two 1-0 victories over Türkiye and Belgium, before drawing 1-1 with Italy. Dembélé therefore remains under statistical pressure, but has the full backing of his coach. He should have another opportunity to answer his critics in the next meeting between Les Bleus and Belgium.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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UEFA Nations League A