Zidane urges players to embrace challenge of playing for France

"You really have to enjoy the moment because football goes so quickly," Zidane said.

"Look, I'm 54, I'm here now as head coach and I can't play anymore. So I tell the players to enjoy the moment because it flies by. The French national team is something so beautiful that I want them to experience these moments."

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Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European championships during his 108 caps as a France player, took over from Didier Deschamps in July.

The former Real Madrid boss started his France reign on Friday with a 1-0 win against Turkey in the opening Nations League tie in League A Group 1.

Mbappé on target in Turkey

Mbappé scored his 67th international goal early in the second-half but left the fray with a knee injury soon after the strike.

The 27-year-old has been ruled out of France's remaining three Nations league games during the international break. Ousmane Dembélé, who took the captain's armband when Mbappé was substituted, will skipper the team on Monday night at the Koning Boudewijnstadion.

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"Ousmane is a good guy," said Zidane. "He's always there for the others and we have to make use of his experience. What is interesting is that he has a very impressive work rate. He puts in an incredible amount of energy."

Belgium's new coach, Mark van Bommel, began his tenure on Friday with an impressive 2-0 victory in Rome against Italy.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Mika Godts and the Benfica forward Dodi Lukébakio were on target to spoil Roberto Mancini's return as Italy boss.

"Belgium is a very good team," said Zidane. "They had a very good World Cup and we know there are some outstanding individuals in this team.

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"And collectively, we know we're going to have a difficult match but that's what I find interesting. There are some great fixtures. That's what you want when you're competitive and enjoy playing football. You want to have big matches, and this is another one."

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After the clash in Brussels, Zidane and his charges return to France.

His first home game as France coach comes on 2 October, when his side welcome Italy to the Stade de France – the arena where his two goals in the 1998 World Cup final inspired France to a 3-0 victory over Brazil and their first World Cup trophy.

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France then host Belgium at the same venue on 5 October for their fourth game in the group.

'Not looking for the attention'

Accustomed to a life in the spotlight, Zidane said he expected even more scrutiny once the squad returned home.

"No, it doesn't annoy me," he said. "I think you just have to accept things as they are. I'm not looking for the attention. That's not why I'm here.

"I'm going to try to do my job with my players, try to put something in place that will allow us to win matches. That's what interests me. That's what interests me most."

The top two from the four groups in League A advance to the last eight next March.

The semi-finals will be played on 9 and 10 June 2027 and the final on 13 June.

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