Zinédine Zidane criticised over Mbappé’s new role

Zinédine Zidane is facing an early tactical backlash as France’s new coach after moving Kylian Mbappé away from the central role many believe should define the team. The decision has already become one of the first major points of disagreement surrounding his tenure.

Zidane took charge of France on July 28 and began his first competitive tests in the Nations League. Against Turkey, he placed Mbappé on the left, restoring the position the Real Madrid forward previously occupied. Mbappé scored, but his involvement in the gathering ended early when he was forced off with an injury.

Journalist Sébastien Tarrago criticised both the attention surrounding Zidane’s appointment and the coach’s use of Mbappé. He argued that the forward’s standing and performances, particularly at the World Cup, should make him the central figure in France’s tactical plan. In Tarrago’s view, Zidane should build around Mbappé in the middle and require the other players to adapt instead.

The controversy marks a clear early test of Zidane’s authority. His first decisions have already signalled a departure from the approach associated with Didier Deschamps, while the Mbappé question is now at the centre of debate over how the new coach intends to shape France.