Mbappe: Working under Zidane is "like something out of a movie"
Kylian Mbappe expresses his enthusiasm for coaching Zinedine Zidane, describing it as a movie-like experience, as France begins a new era after the 2026 World Cup.
Mbappe: Working under Zidane is "like something out of a movie"
According toSoccernews.
Background
Kylian Mbappé, who retains the captain's armband, has a chance to overtake Zinedine Zidane in number of caps. If he participates in the upcoming matches, he can equal Zidane's record against Belgium and surpass it in the match against Italy, which reflects the development of his international career and strengthens his position as one of the most prominent players in the European Nations League.
Why is this important?
The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as coach of the France national team marks the beginning of a new era for the team, after a long period under the leadership of Didier Deschamps. With the UEFA Nations League matches approaching, fans are looking forward to seeing how Zidane's style will impact the team's performance, especially with Kylian Mbappé as captain. These changes may greatly affect France's prospects in upcoming tournaments.
Key points
- Mbappe: Working under Zidane's leadership is "like something out of a movie."
- Kylian Mbappe expresses his enthusiasm for coaching Zinedine Zidane, describing it as a movie-like experience, as France begins a new era after the 2026 World Cup.
- Mbappe: Working under Zidane ‘like something from a movie’.
Deschamps led the France national team for 14 years, supervising 187 matches (103 of them as a player), and led the team to the 2018 World Cup in addition to reaching the final in the 2022 World Cup and the 2016 European Nations Championship, which were held on French soil. France's new era begins with a UEFA Nations League clash against Türkiye on Friday, followed by matches against Belgium (home and away) and Italy over the next two weeks.
During his remarkable career, Zidane represented France in 108 matches, scoring 31 goals, including a brace in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. He also scored a penalty kick in Panenka style in the 2006 final before receiving a red card after his famous assault on Marco Materazzi, which led to France's defeat in a penalty shootout.
Mbappe will continue to keep the captain's armband under the new system, and has a chance to overtake Zidane on the list of players who most represented France during the international break. Mbappe's next match will be his 107th, so he can equal Zidane against Belgium next Monday and surpass him in the match against Italy on October 2, if he plays in all those matches.
In an interview with AS, Mbappe recalled his first meeting with Zidane, which happened when he was a young player attracting interest from top European clubs, while the former legend was working in Real Madrid's academy. “Years ago, he was the first one to take me to Real Madrid, to the training center,” Mbappe said. “I was 13 or 14 years old; that was a long time ago. Now he is my coach in the national team. He is like something out of a movie, but at a high level.
"It's real, we are in a new process in France, we have two years to prepare for the European Championship and we are working towards that now." Zidane is the only coach to win three consecutive Champions League titles, doing so with Real Madrid between 2015-16 and 2017-18, but he has yet to take up another club job after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu for a second time in 2021. He has repeatedly expressed an interest in taking over as France coach during the final years of Deschamps' tenure, and Mbappe is keen to see what Zidane will change.
“It's a new stage with a new coach,” Mbappe said. It will be a new experience for everyone, because we only had Deschamps. "It will be a change for us, but I think it will all turn out well."
What's next?
France will begin its campaign under Zidane's leadership by facing Türkiye in the European Nations League, followed by confrontations with Belgium and Italy. These matches will be an opportunity for Mbappe to show his leadership and ability to influence the team's results. The upcoming matches will determine France's performance this season and its expectations in the upcoming tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is France's next match in the European Nations League?
France's next match will be against Türkiye on Friday.
Who is the new coach of the France national team?
The new coach of the France national team is Zinedine Zidane.
What are the effects of Zidane's appointment on the French national team?
Zidane's appointment comes after Didier Deschamps' departure, and a new era begins for France.
How many matches has Kylian Mbappe played for France so far?
Mbappe will play his 107th match with the France national team.
Can Mbappe surpass Zidane on the list of players who most represent France?
Yes, if he participates in the matches against Belgium and Italy, he can surpass Zidane.
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