Van Bommel relishing clash against Zidane
Mark van Bommel is relishing the chance to do battle with Zinedine Zidane and France as he prepares to build on Belgium's strong start to its UEFA Nations League campaign.
Belgium began life under Van Bommel with a 2-0 win at Stadio Olimpico against Italy, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scoring in either half for the Red Devils.
It was the perfect start for Van Bommel, who replaced Rudi Garcia after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but his early tenure is set to face its sternest test at Stade Roi Baudouin.
France, also under new management with Zidane, made a winning start to its UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Turkiye, with Kylian Mbappe on target.
Mbappe has since been ruled out of the clash with Belgium after being diagnosed with hyperextension in his left knee, something Van Bommel was disappointed to hear.
"It is special to coach against someone like that," Van Bommel said. "He was an exceptional footballer and I played against him once, with Barcelona against Real Madrid.
"If a dribbling move is named after you, then you must have done pretty well. As a coach too, of course. He is a good coach, that's clear.
"I think it's a shame that Mbappe isn't there, because you always want to have the best footballers playing against you.
"I don't know exactly what injury he has, but I would have liked him to be there."
Belgium was deserving of its win against Italy, and Van Bommel wants to see his Belgium team maintain the attacking approach it showed against Roberto Mancini's side.
"I started [my coaching tenure] last Monday by emphasising intensity and willingness to work," Van Bommel added.
"The idea has to remain the same. Of course, you have to take the quality of the opponent into account, but that does not change our style of play.
"If you are beaten in a situation, that's not a problem. As long as everyone knows what they have to do."
After its clash with France, Belgium faces Turkiye at home before concluding the international break against Zidane's side again at Stade de France on 6 October (AEST).
