Zidane’s appointment sparks debate over France’s attacking setup

France has officially changed manager, with Zinédine Zidane named head coach of the Bleus after fourteen years under Didier Deschamps, a move long hinted at despite the former number 10’s name surfacing repeatedly. His first major test arrives with the upcoming international break and the expected release of his inaugural squad list in mid‑September.

Zidane's mandate and upcoming decisions

Now installed on the tricolour bench, Zidane can truly launch his project, and the first big decision looms as he prepares his first player selection. Among the early priorities is an important attacking question that will shape the team’s shape for the next fixtures.

At the last World Cup the French attack delivered full satisfaction, with Kylian Mbappé leading the centre, Ousmane Dembélé on the right and Michael Olise operating as the number 10, forming a particularly effective trio. Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola also added extra solutions on the left as the tournament progressed.

Speculation suggests Zidane could reposition Mbappé on the left flank while moving Dembélé back to the centre, a shift that would inevitably generate considerable discussion among fans and analysts.

Ménès challenges the Mbappé debate

Former Canal+ journalist Pierre Ménès dismissed the controversy on his YouTube channel, stating, “Je ne sais pas ce que vous avez avec ce truc de replacer Mbappé à gauche. On est quasiment dans l’ordre du fantasme.” He argued there is little room for debate on the matter.

He added, “Le problème de ces deux joueurs, ce n’est pas la position, les stats le prouvent,” pointing to Mbappé’s ten goals and four assists and Dembélé’s six goals and three assists as evidence that their roles are not the core issue.

According to Ménès, the real difficulties lie elsewhere, noting, “Le problème, c’est probablement le reste de l’équipe, à savoir la faiblesse des latéraux, le milieu de terrain qui a explosé contre l’Espagne.”

He concluded, “C’est quand même extrêmement curieux qu’à chaque fois qu’on cite le nom de Mbappé, ça devient le responsable de tout ce qui se passe mal alors que ce soit au Real ou en équipe de France, les lacunes de ces équipes sautent aux yeux dans les deux cas.”