Zidane picks Mbappé on the left wing for his debut with France

This Thursday marked the debut of Zinedine Zidane as France's manager; on Friday he will lead his first match against Turkey in Izmit, while placing Kylian Mbappé on the left wing of the attack. The announcement, published by EFE and Yoan Valat, was for the 'Bleus', as Les Bleus, in international football following Didier Deschamps' departure.

Reinforced defence

The new coach replaced the injured Ibrahima Konaté of Real Madrid with Maxence Lacroix, who will form the central axis alongside Dayot Upamecano. On the left flank, Zidane chose Adrien Truffert instead of Andy Diouf, while the right back will be occupied by Barcelona's Jules Koundé.

Attack and formation

Zidane set up a 4‑3‑3 formation. In midfield, the combination of Cherki, Koné and Rabiot will complete the defensive triangle. In the attacking line, Kylian Mbappé will occupy the left wing, Ousmane Dembélé will be positioned in the centre and Michael Olise will complete the right.

Zidane launches the Blues far from Istanbul, in Izmit for the League

The goalkeeper will be Mike Maignan, who will guard the net against the Turkish side coached by Vincenzo Montella and with the young Arda Güler among the starters. France's starting eleven will be: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé and Mbappé.

This debut places Zidane in League A of the Nations League, Group 1, and represents the first test of his tactical project with the 'Bleus'. The decision to position Mbappé on the left reflects the coach's confidence in his ability to beat defenders and create chances.

Zidane at the helm of France, Mbappé captain against Turkey

The match, played in Izmit, will be a crucial test for the new coaching staff and for the players looking to cement their place in the squad. French fans will watch how Zidane's legacy as a player translates into his management.