Zidane shakes up Mbappé's role, the controversy flares up
During the first training session under the direction of Zinedine Zidane, the coach decided to reposition Kylian Mbappé on the left wing, a move that immediately sparked controversy among the Blues.
Review of the first matches
The early performances delivered by Zinedine Zidane's Blues were generally praised. With three wins and a draw, the record is highly satisfactory. The French team displayed particularly attractive sequences.
The midfield proved more creative than under Didier Deschamps. This development was highlighted as a major asset of the new system. Supporters noted improved fluidity in the attacking build‑up.
Criticism of the system
Some of Zinedine Zidane's choices, however, raised eyebrows. His desire to reposition Kylian Mbappé on the left wing to free up the central area for Ousmane Dembélé was heavily criticised. This decision was seen as a break from the usual reference points.
The experiment was cut short concerning the Madrid player, injured during the match against Turkey and forced to leave the camp. The injury halted the implementation of the new role. The side lost its most prolific striker.
Ousmane Dembélé was one of the main disappointments for the Blues. Despite a Ballon d’Or at this position, he was not decisive, unlike Michael Olise or Désiré Doué. His performances were deemed insufficient.
"A bit stupid," said Etienne Moatti on the set of the channel L’Équipe. "The idea of moving Kylian Mbappé to the left strikes me as extremely surprising, if not completely crazy, and even a bit stupid. Today, Kylian Mbappé is a striker who scores sixty goals a season; you don't move him like that in France, and certainly not elsewhere."
These remarks were not to his colleague Nabil Djellit’s liking, who replied. "I discover that Etienne knows football better than Zidane. But Zidane never makes a mistake," retorted Nabil Djellit. "He has an idea, he follows through, even if Mbappé's injury prevented him. Let's give time and credit to Zinedine Zidane. Dembélé still won a Ballon d’Or at this position."