Zidane backs Mbappe to return for France’s Nations League clash with Turkey

Zinedine Zidane says his relationship with France captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is “perfect”, dismissing suggestions of tension between the pair as “nonsense”.

Mbappe missed France’s previous match, a 3-1 defeat by Italy, because of muscular discomfort. However, Zidane expects him to be with the squad for Sunday’s decisive Nations League meeting with Turkey at Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux.

“I don’t understand that, but it is not serious,” Zidane said when asked about reports of a strained relationship with Mbappe.

“My relationship with him is that of a coach with his player, and everything is going perfectly.

“I cannot stop people saying what they want, but it is just nonsense. It is unfortunate and somewhat annoying.”

Zidane had previously said Mbappe’s injury did not appear serious, but chose not to risk him against Italy. The player had wanted to feature in that match, and the France manager had expressed hope that he would be fit to face Turkey.

“It is better to have him with us. There is no problem, he will be with us tomorrow, and the rest is the coach’s decision,” Zidane said.

France are second in their group on 10 points, level with leaders Italy and one point ahead of third-placed Belgium. The result against Turkey will determine their prospects of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals.

Zaire-Emery set for midfield role

Zidane also confirmed that Warren Zaire-Emery will be used in midfield rather than at right-back, despite the Paris Saint-Germain player’s ability to operate in several positions.

“I prefer to see him in the middle, in midfield, in his usual position,” Zidane said.

“We have four players on the flanks, and we make our choices according to the players available. If Warren plays, he will be in midfield. I want to see him in that position.”

The manager also rejected the suggestion that France’s defence had been fragile during the defeat by Italy.

“I do not completely agree with what you are saying about the defence being fragile,” he told a reporter.

“It was not that we were unable to defend well. On the contrary, I believe we do that to a large extent.”

Zidane further backed Ryan Cherki’s deployment as an advanced midfielder on the right, a position the Manchester City player has occupied in recent matches.

“I think he is good in that position,” he said. “He can play in other positions, but he can also play there and performs it reasonably well.”