 |
| Kylian Mbappe |
Kylian Mbappe has described Zinedine Zidane becoming France’s new head coach as a remarkable moment, recalling that the former Real Madrid manager was one of the first people to welcome him to the Spanish giants as a teenager.
Zidane is set to begin his reign as France coach on Friday when Les Bleus face Turkey in the Nations League in Izmit. His appointment marks a new chapter for the national team following Didier Deschamps’ departure after 14 years in charge.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Mbappe recalled meeting Zidane during a trial for Real Madrid’s youth setup when he was just 13 or 14 years old.
“He was the first person who picked me up to take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex,” Mbappe said.
“Now he’s my national team coach. It’s like a film, but it’s amazing. It’s real.”
France are beginning a new era after their World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with a semi-final defeat to Spain in July.
The two-time world champions will now turn their attention towards preparing for Euro 2028, with four Nations League matches scheduled during the expanded international break. France will face Turkey, Belgium twice and Italy at the Stade de France.
“We’re starting a new process with France. We have two years to prepare for the European Championship and that’s what we’re focused on now,” Mbappe said.
The Real Madrid forward acknowledged that adjusting to life under a new coach will be a significant change for the squad after years of working with Deschamps.
“It’s a new era with a new coach. We have the Nations League coming up, four games, and we’ll see how they go,” he said.
“It’s going to be new for everyone because all we’ve known is Deschamps. It’s going to be a change for us, but I think everything is going to go very well.”
Mbappe has also made an impressive start to the new club season, scoring eight goals in his first eight appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. However, he was unable to find the net in Sunday’s derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid have also endured a difficult start in La Liga and currently trail reigning champions Barcelona by six points.
Mbappe believes the team must respond on the pitch and work towards restoring excitement among their supporters.
“Other people can talk, but we have to do more and work to bring the excitement back to Real Madrid and bring the trophies back,” he said.
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho criticised the officiating following the 2-1 defeat to Atletico, but Mbappe chose not to publicly attack the referee.
“I have my thoughts, but I keep them to myself. I’ve never been that kind of player and I’m not going to start now,” he said.
“The referee is human and makes mistakes, and there were mistakes, but I don’t want to get into that.”