France national team coach Zinédine Zidane dismissed reports of a tense relationship with captain Kylian Mbappé ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League match against Turkey in Bordeaux, according to O GLOBO.
According to CNN Brasil, citing the French newspaper L’Équipe, Mbappé was displeased with internal restructuring under Zidane, particularly a shift to the left wing to accommodate Ousmane Dembélé in the center of the attack. Mbappé interpreted the tactical change as a demotion of his status within the squad and a elevation of Dembélé, while the relationship lacked the harmony the captain previously maintained with former coach Didier Deschamps.
The tension intensified during the international window at the end of September and early October. Comments from the Real Madrid star regarding the Ballon d'Or ceremony generated wide repercussions in the days leading up to and following the event, as Mbappé stated he deserved the award more than any other player, alongside nominees Harry Kane and Dembélé.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Zidane rejected suggestions of friction with the Real Madrid forward.
“I don’t understand very well what is being said. I’m not going to enter into this debate; the relationship is perfect. Both for the player and for me. I cannot stop what they say out there,” Zidane said.
“Yes, the things that reach my ears are naturally quite irritant,” Zidane said.
Mbappé misses Italy fixture with thigh discomfort
According to Terra, Mbappé missed Thursday’s fixture against Italy at the San Siro due to a posterior thigh discomfort. The match against Italy took place on Thursday (12) at 16h45 Brasília time at San Siro in Milan, following a 3 a 1 defeat to Italy that left repercussions beyond the pitch.
Zidane explained the decision to preserve the forward during a press conference ahead of the Milan fixture, noting that the player wanted to feature despite the risk.
“He will miss the team tomorrow. He felt a small pain and we will not take any risk,” Zidane said. “He is not happy and would like to play tomorrow, but you must not risk it, because the season is still long.”
ESPN Brasil said that the injury scare occurred during training sessions, with Mbappé having participated normally in Monday’s training before failing to complete the Wednesday morning activity at the Clairefontaine training center, prompting the coaching staff and medical department to reach a consensus to sideline the forward to prevent further damage.
The French squad also dealt with physical problems affecting Aurélien Tchouaméni, Marcus Thuram, and Pierre Kalulu, forcing technical adjustments ahead of the final group fixtures.
Dressing room splits over Mbappé and Dembélé
Beyond tactical shifts, Goal.com reported comments from W9 broadcaster Cyril Hanouna detailing a divided dressing room environment split into two groups—one supporting Mbappé and another connected to Ousmane Dembélé—alongside organizational complaints, questions over squad selection, and unexpected personal departures such as Dayot Upamecano leaving the training camp.
Hanouna also reported that Mbappé asked Zidane to play the first match during the international window and then return to his club, a request that Zidane refused, insisting on the player’s presence until the end of the training camp. Following this, Mbappé participated fully in Friday’s training session.
Questions About Squad Management
Did Kylian Mbappé play in the match against Italy?
O atacante do Real Madrid desfalcou a equipe devido a um desconforto na região posterior da coxa. Zidane confirmed the decision to rest him as a precaution to avoid aggravating the injury.
When does France play Turkey?
France faces Turkey on Sunday at 16h45 in Bordeaux for the final round of the UEFA Nations League group stage.
What did Zinédine Zidane say about his relationship with Mbappé?
Zidane described their relationship as perfect during a Saturday press conference, calling rumors of a crisis inconvenient and irritating.