Controversial tactics, Mbappé surprised and Deschamps under pressure

During the last training camp, coach Didier Deschamps placed Kylian Mbappé on the left flank, surprising the captain of the Bleus, while Ousmane Dembélé operated more centrally, a tactical choice that may have fueled discomfort between the two men.

Consequences of the injury and lack of dialogue

The dialogue between the two still needs to be built. Mbappé's knee injury during the last break did not facilitate exchanges. Forced to leave the camp early and physically diminished, the Real Madrid striker had few opportunities to talk with Zidane at Clairefontaine.

This lack of regular communication may have prevented the two men from quickly developing a trust relationship similar to the one Mbappé previously had with Didier Deschamps. Zidane is trying to calm the situation. His recent statements about repositioning Mbappé centrally for the upcoming matches against Italy and Turkey were interpreted as an attempt to meet the captain's expectations.

Bleus in kit: the parade at Clairefontaine before Italy

The coach appears aware of his player's concerns and would now seek to strengthen their relationship to prevent these misunderstandings from becoming entrenched. The situation is already delicate for Mbappé. Meanwhile, several media outlets mention a certain isolation of the Real Madrid striker within the France squad and more complicated relationships with some teammates.

Nevertheless, the Real Madrid striker remains the Bleus' main offensive weapon and one of the natural leaders of the squad. The goal of the tricolour staff will therefore be to quickly rebuild a climate of trust around their captain.

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