Zidane is working to repair his strained relationship with Kylian Mbappé, the France captain, as tensions over the forward’s tactical role threaten to unsettle the squad ahead of its upcoming fixtures. Recent reports have exposed a rift between the pair, which the coach views as a priority, given that Mbappé is the most important piece of his attacking project.
A tactical disagreement
According to L’Equipe, one of the main causes of the dispute dates back to Zidane’s tactical choices during the last international break. The coach deployed his captain on the left wing and used Ousmane Dembélé as an out-and-out striker. Mbappé, who prefers to operate through the middle and exploit his goalscoring instincts close to goal, was not happy with the arrangement.
Zidane was aware of the player’s reservations. They surfaced in his recent comments after naming the France squad, when he outlined how he intends to use the captain in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. He hinted at moving Mbappé back into his favoured central position, both to get the most from his talents and to avoid another tactical row.
A breakdown in communication
The tension runs deeper than tactics. L’Equipe reported a breakdown in communication between the coach and the player in recent times, with conversations between them severely limited during the last camp. Mbappé then left for Madrid following an injury.
The paper says part of the problem stemmed from Mbappé’s health. Illness kept him confined to his room at the Clairefontaine centre, which greatly reduced the chances of direct contact with the manager, even though their relationship matters greatly to the future of the national team.
Both men live in Madrid, but that proximity has not brought their views any closer. Zidane has recently mended relations with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, yet living in the same city has not translated into a stronger bond with the France captain.
Restoring harmony in the camp
L’Equipe believes the relationship between Zidane and Mbappé lacks the harmony the player enjoyed with former France coach Didier Deschamps. Zidane recognises this and wants to set matters straight and defuse any disputes before they poison the mood in the camp.
His efforts come at a time when he needs to unite the group and build a strong relationship with his biggest stars. Mbappé is not just the captain; he is the cornerstone of Zidane’s attacking project. Improving communication between the pair is therefore a priority in the coming weeks.