French national team coach Zinédine Zidane is set to make a significant change to his team's lineup as they prepare to face Turkey in a friendly match on Friday, September 24, 2026. According to reports from Foot Mercato, Zidane is considering repositioning star player Kylian Mbappé to the left wing in a 4-3-3 formation. This move is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team and has already been communicated to Mbappé.
The decision to reposition Mbappé comes as no surprise, given his impressive performances on the left wing in the past. Zidane is reportedly keen to utilize Mbappé's skills in a more offensive role, while maintaining a balance in the team's overall strategy. The new coach has already begun working with the team in training sessions, and his tactics are starting to take shape. Mbappé's repositioning would also allow for Michael Olise to play on the right wing and Ousmane Dembélé as the central striker.
However, one of the main concerns with repositioning Mbappé is his defensive work rate. The player has often been criticized for not tracking back and making defensive efforts, which has led some coaches to prefer him as a central striker. Zidane, though, is keen to bring back the offensive prowess that Mbappé displayed when playing on the left wing, while ensuring the team's defensive solidity.
To mitigate the risks associated with Mbappé's repositioning, Zidane's coaching staff is considering several options. Adrien Rabiot could play alongside Mbappé in midfield, providing additional defensive cover. Another solution is to deploy Andy Diouf, a player with a more defensive profile, as the left back. This would help to prevent opposition teams from exploiting the left flank.
The upcoming match against Turkey will provide a crucial test for Zidane's new tactics. The game will give the coach and the team's supporters a better understanding of whether this strategy is effective or not. Zidane has other options at his disposal to protect the left flank, including replacing Mbappé with another player or adjusting the team's formation.
If Zidane's plan is successful, it could have significant implications for the team's future performances. The coach is keen to get the best out of his players and to develop a cohesive team strategy. The match against Turkey will be an important step in this process, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs.
The friendly match against Turkey is set to take place on Friday, September 24, 2026, at Kocaeli. This game will be an opportunity for Zidane to fine-tune his team's strategy and to assess the effectiveness of his new tactics. The team's performance will be closely watched, as fans and pundits alike wait to see how the new-look France team takes shape under Zidane's guidance.
Key points
- Zidane considers repositioning Mbappé to the left wing in a 4-3-3 formation against Turkey.
