French football star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his excitement about Zinedine Zidane's appointment as the new coach of the French national team. Mbappe described the moment as "like a film," recalling their first encounter over a decade ago when Zidane helped him with a trial for Real Madrid's youth academy. Mbappe was just 13 or 14 years old at the time. He told Spanish newspaper AS that it's amazing to now have Zidane as his national team coach.
Zidane is set to take charge of Les Bleus for the first time on Friday in a Nations League match against Turkey in Izmit. He succeeded Didier Deschamps, who had been in charge for 14 years. Deschamps' tenure ended after France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals in July. Zidane's appointment marks a new era for France, with the two-time world champions preparing for Euro 2028.
Mbappe revealed that his relationship with Zidane dates back to his early days as a footballer. He praised Zidane's appointment, saying it's a new era for the team with a new coach. France will begin their preparations for Euro 2028 with four Nations League matches during the expanded international break, facing Turkey, Belgium twice, and Italy at the Stade de France.
Mbappe emphasized that the team is focused on the European Championship, with two years to prepare. He acknowledged that it will be a change for the team, but he is optimistic about the future. The team has been used to Deschamps' coaching style for a long time, but Mbappe believes everything will go well under Zidane's leadership.
Mbappe has made a strong start to the season with Real Madrid, scoring eight goals in his first eight appearances in all competitions. However, Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday, leaving them six points behind reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona. Mbappe acknowledged that Madrid must improve if they are to challenge for trophies.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho criticized the refereeing after the defeat, but Mbappe declined to join the debate. He said he has his thoughts, but prefers to keep them to himself. Mbappe emphasized that the referee is human and makes mistakes, but he does not want to get into the controversy.
Mbappe and Real Madrid will look to bounce back from their recent defeat when they face Mallorca in LaLiga on Wednesday. The team will also focus on their Nations League matches, starting with the game against Turkey on Friday. With Zidane at the helm, France will look to build on their recent successes and prepare for the European Championship.
Key points
- Zidane's appointment marks a new era for France, with Mbappe praising the move as "like a film."
- France will begin their preparations for Euro 2028 with four Nations League matches during the expanded international break.
- Mbappe has made a strong start to the season with Real Madrid, scoring eight goals in his first eight appearances.
