Makelele on a mission

Barren run
Having been a domestic champion with FC Nantes Atlantique, Real Madrid CF and Chelsea FC, and also lifted the UEFA Champions League with Madrid, Makelele knows all about winning major prizes. Yet the DR Congo-born midfielder, who made his debut for Les Bleus in 1995, was overlooked for the triumphant 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA EURO 2000™ campaigns. Having subsequently tasted defeat in the 2006 World Cup final, he is desperate to end his barren run. "I'm a competitor and my objective is to win the tournament," he said matter-of-factly. "If we play to our strengths, I'm confident we'll go a long way."

'An amazing talent'
Aside from Grégory Coupet replacing Fabien Barthez in goal, the one significant change from two years ago is the absence of Zinédine Zidane. It is the first time France have been without him at a major finals since 1992, and Makelele admits his former Madrid colleague will be missed. "Before, nearly all our attacking play went through Zizou," the 35-year-old said. "He was an amazing talent but now he's gone it's up to all the players to try to compensate."

'Ribéry is Ribéry'
Karim Benzema or Nicolas Anelka will take the slot previously occupied by Zidane in Monday's Group C opener against Romania, although the more creative Franck Ribéry is seen by many as the former captain's true successor. Makelele, however, is reluctant to be drawn into comparisons, saying: "Zidane is different to everyone else. [Thierry] Henry and Ribéry have some of his qualities, Benzema and Anelka are big talents, but there's no point making comparisons. Zidane is Zidane and Ribéry is Ribéry."

Vieira worry
As France search for a new winning formula in attack, Makelele will look to ensure the team retains its defensive stability. "Our strength is the way we defend as a team," he said. "It'll be important to maintain that solid defensive block, then spring forward whenever we can." The presence of the experienced anchorman is reassuring for French fans - especially with Patrick Vieira set to miss the opening match through injury. Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Jérémy Toulalan may seem an ideal replacement but Makelele is keeping his fingers crossed that Vieira returns to full fitness soon. "I hope Pat plays a part because he's a key player, from a tactical perspective particularly. But if Jérémy plays, it doesn't change much for me. They have different qualities but I combine well with both of them. The most important thing is we keep the same shape."