His greatest pride at the Stade de France before the duel against Italy on Friday (8:45 p.m.), in Saint-Denis: “I'm not going to be original, that's what we did with our friends in 1998 (during the World Cup in France, Editor's note). To have won against Brazil (in the final, 3-0), it was a dream for everyone and we did it. Coming back here, you must imagine, it’s a big emotion. We are ready for this third match (of the Nations League against Italy, Friday), we have prepared well, there are no glitches, it’s great. We will try to win our first match in front of our home crowd.”
The headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final: “The images always remind me of it. It plays everywhere in a loop. Fortunately, there are some more positive ones and I want to remember this one. Juventus was special for me because that's where I became an important player (he played there from 1996 to 2001, Editor's note). (On the headbutt) I have no regrets, it’s part of my career. I'm not proud of what I did. It’s part of a life journey, we can’t always do beautiful things. Now what matters is tomorrow (Friday) and the French team.”
Also read “These are squabbles on social networks”: Dembélé breaks the silence on the subject of the controversy against Mbappé
Skip the ad
If his expulsion during what was the last match of his playing career, against Italy, in 2006, motivated him to coach the Blues: “Yes, except that in 2006, I did not know that I would become a coach. It was very complicated, I can tell you that. I believe in life, in what I do, I prepared myself to be able to come back and give my all with the France team.”
Memory of the first match at the Stade de France, a 1-0 victory over Spain with a goal from Zidane: “January 31, 1998, it was freezing cold, against Spain who had not lost for 3 years. To have scored, it was a great memory. And then, with my friends, in 1998, we won the World Cup.”
This stadium is special.
Zinedine Zidane
His relationship with the Stade de France: “This stadium is special, with everything we have experienced here. We want to continue writing our history with the France team.”
France-Italy during the third day of the Nations League: “My players are ready for a third match. In a match, anything can happen. We will face a difficult team to play against. You have to be good to win. Seeing Italy being eliminated from the World Cup finals is strange (Italy has missed the last three World Cup finals, Editor's note). It’s a great football nation. I'm not in it, and I have no opinion on what's going on inside. But Italy, at times, can do incredible things. I tell myself it will be complicated tomorrow.”
If he’s afraid of disappointing: “No, I never thought about that feeling. Otherwise, I won't be in front of you. I worked and deserved as a player. Same, today to be a coach. I'm ready. I don't think about negative things. I have a crazy team and I want it to be as efficient as possible. That’s what drives me.”
Skip the ad
The contribution of Marcello Lippi, his former coach at Juve, in his career: “I keep all of my coaches, I used them because they were amazing. Marcello Lippi was one of them, especially tactically. The Italians have nothing to envy of anyone. I’m inspired by all that.”
Also read “If it’s true, it’s a betrayal”: the French team in shock after the fall of the “Mr. Security” of the Blues, Mohamed Sanhadji
The investigation into Mohamed Sanhadji, the “Mr. Security” of the Blues: “I’m not happy, he’s someone I know very well. People take care of this. I can't say more. I hope for him that he can defend himself and that it goes well for him. His history with the France team, he has done great things. I remember the positive, the rest is not in my possession.
His favorites after Belgium (1-0 victory): “Honestly, I’m not going to give you any names. It's not nice for others. I was amazed by everyone. It’s a group that’s coming along well. This is priceless. I have a high quality team but we have to do better.”
Comments collected at a press conference
