"You can't always play the same way for 90 minutes" – Zidane backs Olise after quiet second half against Italy
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Michael Olise struck early to capitalise on a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma and give France the lead in Thursday's UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.
However, Olise's influence waned in the second half, as France struggled and ultimately suffered a 3-1 defeat.
Speaking after the game, France coach Zinedine Zidane was unconcerned by Olise's drop in performance, arguing it's only natural that the winger cannot always play at the same level.
He also pointed to the fact that the 24-year-old has scored five goals in his last five games for the national team.
“You can’t always play the same way for 90 minutes. He has scored quite a few goals for us across the last two international breaks, and he has been very good. That’s what I’m focusing on,” Zidane said in defence of Olise at the post-match press conference, via RMC Sport.
“I don’t think he was a little less effective in the second half. We were all a little less effective in the second half. And when the team isn’t playing as well, it affects individual performances.”
Olise and France will be hoping to finish their UEFA Nations League Group A2 campaign with a win when they face Turkey on Sunday.
