Mbappe hails ‘movie’ moment as Zidane begins France reign

Kylian Mbappe says working with Zinedine Zidane as France manager feels “like something out of a movie” as the national team enters a new era.

Zidane will take charge of France for the first time during the international break, returning to management five years after leaving Real Madrid.

The former France midfielder replaced his ex-international team-mate Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year spell as manager ended after the World Cup.

Mbappe, who remains France captain, has played a central role in the team’s recent success. He helped Les Bleus win their second World Cup in 2018 and reach the final again in 2022.

Zidane confirmed last week that Mbappe would continue to lead the side, while Mbappe described his new manager as “the player who most embodies the France team” and said he had left an indelible mark on French football.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Mbappe recalled Zidane’s involvement in his career when he was a teenager.

“Yes, years ago [he took me to Real Madrid’s training ground],” said Mbappe. “He was the first to pick me up and take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14; it was ages ago.”

He added: “And now he’s my national team coach. It’s like something out of a movie, but he’s top-level.”

Mbappe said the squad would have to adapt after working only under Deschamps during the current generation’s time with France.

“It’s a new phase with a new coach,” he said. “It’s going to be a new experience for everyone, since we’ve only ever had Deschamps. It will be a change for us, but I think everything will turn out very well.”

Zidane’s first match in charge will be against Turkey in the Nations League on Friday. France will then face Belgium and Italy.