France Without Their Captain: Zidane Prepares Changes for Belgium

France travel to Brussels without captain Kylian Mbappé. The forward scored the winner in Friday’s 1–0 victory over Turkey, Zinedine Zidane’s first match as national team coach, but left the field injured and has returned to Real Madrid. Zidane confirmed that he will make changes for Monday’s match against Belgium, though he did not say how many. France have four games in a short period, and the journey from Turkey to Belgium leaves little time for recovery. After playing in Brussels, they will host Italy in Paris on Friday and face Belgium again on October 5. The new coach is still getting to know his players and helping them understand what he expects. Training time is limited, so video analysis has become part of the preparation. Zidane stressed, however, that winning remains the immediate goal. Belgium will be a demanding opponent. Mark van Bommel’s team opened Group A1 with a 2–0 victory over Italy in Rome. Zidane praised the quality of Belgium’s players and said he expects a difficult match—exactly the kind of challenge he wants his team to embrace. Without Mbappé, France must show that other players can create chances and take responsibility. The match in Brussels will also test how Zidane manages his squad as he begins his time in charge. Zidane urged his players to enjoy representing France. Football careers pass quickly, he said, and wearing the national team shirt is a special opportunity. In Brussels, France will try to turn that message into a strong performance. Based on the September 27 Reuters report supplied for this article.