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Laurent Blanc Discusses French Football Stars: Dembélé, Mbappé, Zidane
In a rare media appearance, former French national team manager Laurent Blanc has shed light on the current happenings in French football. Blanc, who recently won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, discussed the performances of Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and the potential of Zinédine Zidane taking over as France’s national team coach.
Blanc’s journey from PSG to Saudi Arabia
After parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, Laurent Blanc struggled to find a place among Europe’s elite clubs. His tenure at Olympique Lyonnais from October 2022 to September 2023 ended in disappointment. Subsequently, Blanc moved to Saudi Arabia, where he found success with Al-Ittihad, clinching the Saudi Pro League title this season. Despite his international relocation, Blanc remains an avid follower of European football, particularly the careers of his French compatriots.
Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or potential
The 1998 World Cup champion believes that **Ousmane Dembélé has the credentials to win the Ballon d’Or**. According to Blanc, Dembélé has had an exceptional season, winning numerous accolades that position him as a strong contender for the prestigious award. However, Blanc notes the unpredictability of the Ballon d’Or, saying, “This award is an individual distinction, which somewhat bothers me. I hope Dembélé will follow in the footsteps of Karim Benzema.”
Assessing Mbappé’s performance
Blanc also evaluated **Kylian Mbappé’s recent season**, stating it was commendable but left room for improvement. Despite the challenges posed by a transitioning Real Madrid—no longer the European powerhouse they once were—Mbappé continued to score prolifically while adapting to a new role. “He’s a phenomenal player capable of scoring at any time, but he might need to improve his consistency,” Blanc remarked, emphasizing the high expectations surrounding Mbappé.
Zidane as the next France coach?
On the topic of **Didier Deschamps’ successor**, Blanc expressed strong support for Zinédine Zidane. “It would be fantastic,” Blanc commented, adding that regardless of the coach—be it himself, Deschamps, or Zidane—the success of a team fundamentally relies on the players. At 59, Blanc’s insights reflect his deep understanding of the game and the importance of player-management synergy.
