Da Cunha Credits Zidane’s Personal Approach for Boosting France Confidence
Lucas Da Cunha has revealed that national team manager Zinedine Zidane’s approach helped him settle into the squad, Foot Mercato reported. The 25-year-old midfielder, who plays for Italian side Como, detailed the conversations he had with Zidane after his initial call-up, crediting the manager’s direct engagement with making him feel valued and secure within the group.
Zidane’s method has been key in integrating new players, Da Cunha explained, noting that the manager consistently makes time to speak with newcomers, both on and off the pitch. This personal focus has been instrumental for Da Cunha, who described his first experience with the national team as a significant step in his career.
Zidane’s Personal Engagement Builds Player Confidence
During his first international camp in September and October, Da Cunha experienced firsthand Zidane’s hands-on management style. According to the player, Zidane would approach him whenever he had a free moment, showing interest in both him as a person and as a player, Da Cunha told Le Parisien, as reported by Foot National.
This consistent communication extended to training sessions, where Zidane would offer positive reinforcement. “Même aux entraînements, il communiquait beaucoup et soulignait chaque chose positive. Il m’a fait sentir que je méritais ma place,” Da Cunha explained. This approach helped him overcome any initial nerves and feel like a full member of the team.
A Consistent Approach for All Newcomers
Da Cunha emphasized that Zidane’s welcoming attitude is not reserved for specific players but is a standard practice for all new internationals. The midfielder noted that Zidane’s way of speaking ensures newcomers understand they are treated as equals within the squad. “C’est sa façon de te parler, de te faire comprendre que tu es comme tout le monde… Ce qu’il a fait avec moi, il l’a fait avec tous les nouveaux,” he said.
The player expressed no surprise at this behavior, attributing it to Zidane’s well-known class. “Il n’était pas obligé, mais ça ne m’a pas surpris : on connaît la classe de cet homme,” Da Cunha remarked.
Da Cunha Builds Career as Captain at Como
Formed at Stade Rennes, Da Cunha has gradually built his career, establishing himself as captain in Italy with Como.
Despite a challenging moment during his debut match against Italy, where a turnover led to a goal, he maintained his confidence.
On-Field Performance and Future with France
Da Cunha’s call-up for the November international fixtures comes on the back of a standout performance in the UEFA Champions League. He scored the fourth goal in Como’s emphatic 9-1 victory over RC Lens on Wednesday, showcasing his attacking prowess. This display has solidified his place in Zidane’s plans, leading to his selection for the upcoming matches.
Radio SCOOP confirmed that Da Cunha is part of the squad for the final two UEFA Nations League group stage matches. France will travel to Italy on Thursday, November 12, before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15. The team needs just one more point to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
Da Cunha’s Reflection on Growth and Resilience
Reflecting on his journey, Da Cunha acknowledged both the highs and lows of his early international experience. While the compliment from Zidane was a major boost, he also faced criticism after the match against Italy. “Je crois que j’étais prêt à tout ça, aux compliments comme aux critiques. Après l’Italie, ça a été plus difficile, parce que j’avais vraiment à cœur de bien faire à chaque minute passée sur le terrain. Ça m’a déçu, mais pas au point de perdre confiance,” he stated.
This resilience has been a key factor in his continued development. Da Cunha’s ability to handle pressure, combined with his on-field contributions, suggests he is on a path to becoming a regular fixture in the national team setup under Zidane’s guidance.
FAQ
- What did Lucas Da Cunha say about Zinedine Zidane’s approach?
- Da Cunha said Zidane made him feel welcome by regularly speaking to him and highlighting his positive contributions, both in and out of training. He described Zidane as a legend who treats all newcomers with the same personal attention.
- How did Da Cunha perform in his first international matches?
- While he had a challenging moment in his debut against Italy, where a turnover led to a goal, Da Cunha has shown resilience. He recently scored a goal in a 9-1 Champions League win for Como, boosting his confidence for the national team.
- When are France’s next international matches?
- France will play Italy away on Thursday, November 12, and host Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15, for the UEFA Nations League.
Zidane’s focus on personal relationships appears to be yielding positive results, with Da Cunha emerging as a confident and reliable option in midfield. The player’s continued growth will be closely watched as France aims for success in the Nations League and beyond.
