Zidane urges France to find balance after narrow Turkey victory

Zinedine Zidane began his tenure as France manager with a 1-0 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, but warned his side must combine their attacking quality with greater tactical balance.

Kylian Mbappe scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute in Kocaeli, giving France three points in their opening match. However, the result was overshadowed by an injury to the France captain, who was substituted soon after finding the net.

Zidane said Mbappe had hyperextended his left knee while taking the shot and could miss France’s next three matches. The Real Madrid forward may therefore be unavailable for Monday’s game against Belgium and the team’s subsequent Nations League fixtures.

“I think he’ll have to return (to Madrid),” Zidane told TF1.

“We won’t take any risks. He hyperextended his knee when taking the shot. That’s not exactly encouraging if he is to continue.”

France were forced to defend their lead against a determined Turkey side, who continued to press for an equaliser until goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off late in the game.

“There is a lot of emotion,” Zidane said of his first match in charge. “It’s a first, and starting with a victory is never easy, especially here in Turkey.”

The former Real Madrid manager was pleased with the way France handled the atmosphere and highlighted their defensive work, particularly when they did not have possession.

“I think we played the game we needed to. We didn’t let our opponent play; we went to press them quite high and were very aggressive in recovery,” he said.

“With the ball, we knew how to do things correctly.”

Zidane acknowledged that France still have work to do after only three and a half training sessions with the new head coach.

“I saw many interesting aspects, even though we only worked together for three and a half training sessions. It’s very encouraging,” he said.

“I am satisfied with what the players achieved and I am happy that this debut went like this.”

The 1998 World Cup winner also said France could not depend solely on the individual ability within their squad. He wants their attacking talent to operate within a disciplined team structure.

“This encounter shows that we can play in several ways, which is what interests me,” Zidane said. “Balance is the key to everything.”

“We have players capable of making a difference at any time, but we must maintain a solid collective organisation so as not to expose ourselves.”

Zidane also praised Turkey for sustaining their intensity throughout the match.

“Many thought they would drop off physically, but that was not the case. The Turks maintained a high intensity until the end,” he said.

France’s next fixture is against Belgium on Monday at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.