Zidane opens door to greater competition as experimental France impress in Brussels | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane has opened his France tenure to greater competition. According to Le Progres, an experimental XI in Brussels showed a readiness to rotate without overturning every hierarchy.

He had flagged the plan by saying everyone would be involved, then on Monday started a side full of newcomers in the Belgian capital.

The new head coach wants a broad look, especially at those short on A-team experience. He was unafraid to change widely, insisting it was planned from the start.

By keeping principles intact and easing pressure, the 54-year-old fostered a collective display from a side with little shared history. Pierre Kalulu said he stresses trust and continuity, which helps players feel liberated.

The manner and result vindicated him while opening possibilities. Established roles will not be overturned overnight if leaders fit the plan, yet fresh faces and shared minutes give others room to stake claims.

The XI that faced Belgium largely delivered, sharpening battles in areas that had dulled late in Didier Deschamps’s reign. Aurélien Tchouaméni was omitted for lack of rhythm, with Koné and Da Cunha emerging at sentinel, and Ibrahima Konaté, already demoted at the last two major tournaments, left Clairefontaine with right knee problems.

A schedule of games every three days encouraged heavy rotation and the younger guard took advantage. November’s camp, with two matches, might bring fewer changes, though Zidane noted that everyone was engaged and the tweaks did not alter the blueprint, lessons underpinned by his two Real spells.

Source: Le Progres

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