Zidane Starts France Reign Against Turkey as Mbappe Hails ‘New Era’
Zinedine Zidane will make his first appearance as France manager in Tuesday’s Nations League trip to Turkey, with Kylian Mbappe calling the appointment the start of a “new era” for Les Bleus.
Zidane begins France job
- Zidane was confirmed as Didier Deschamps’ successor on Friday, taking over before France travel to Izmit to face Turkey.
- Deschamps’ 14-year spell ended after France lost their World Cup semi-final against Spain in July.
- France will also face Belgium and Italy during the international window, while Mbappe said the Nations League schedule includes four matches for the squad to adapt to their new coach.
Mbappe has known Zidane since his early teenage years. The Real Madrid forward said Zidane was the person who first collected him and took him to the club’s training complex when he was 13 or 14.
Now, years later, Zidane is his national-team boss. Mbappe described the change as something that feels like a film, but said it is an exciting reality for the France squad.
Euro target already set
France have two years to build towards the European Championship, and Mbappe said that tournament is already the central objective under Zidane.
He acknowledged that the adjustment will be significant after a generation under Deschamps, but expects the transition to run smoothly as players learn Zidane’s methods.
Mbappe avoids derby refereeing row
The France captain arrives on international duty in strong scoring form, with eight goals from eight appearances this season for Real Madrid.
Madrid, however, went into the break after Sunday’s 2-1 derby loss to Atletico Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s side are now six points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
Mourinho criticised the officials after the defeat, but Mbappe declined to join the argument. He said referees are human and can make mistakes, while adding that he would keep his own views private.
After the Nations League fixtures, Mbappe will return to Madrid with the immediate task of helping Mourinho’s team recover ground on Barcelona and get back to winning ways.
