France: Zinédine Zidane brings a breath of fresh air to Les Bleus

Kylian Mbappe compares his relationship with France national team manager Zinedine Zidane to something "like something out of a movie". The two will collaborate for the first time during the upcoming international break, as Zidane resumes management five years after his departure from Real Madrid. Mbappe described Zidane as "the player who most embodies the France team", acknowledging his significant influence on French football.

Mbappe, who led his country to World Cup victories in 2018 and 2022, will continue as France captain under Zidane's guidance. Speaking to AS, Mbappe recalled Zidane's early support, noting that the coach took him to Real Madrid's training ground when he was just 13 or 14 years old. Now, Zidane is Mbappe's national team coach, a role he describes as "top-level".

Zidane took over from Didier Deschamps, who had led France for 14 years following the 2018 World Cup. "It's a new phase with a new coach," Mbappe stated, expressing confidence in the team's ability to adapt and succeed under Zidane's leadership. France's first match under the new manager will be against Turkey in the Nations League on Friday, followed by games against Belgium and Italy.