Zidane: Mbappé ready to play, and you will see tomorrow how the French national team will play

Zinedine Zidane has appeared before the media at a press conference ahead of his first match as coach of the French national team, when they face Türkiye in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League, marking the start of a new era for the "Les Bleus" after many years of waiting.

Zinedine Zidane spoke about his return to the French national team after 21 years, stating that his feelings before his first appearance as a coach surpass what he felt as a player. He also revealed that Kylian Mbappé has recovered from the flu and is ready to participate in tomorrow's match.

Speaking about his old relationship with Mbappé and their renewed meeting in the French national team, Zidane said: "When I arrived at Real Madrid, I didn't think I would one day be the coach of the French national team alongside Mbappé in 2026. What I saw in him was his potential when he came for a trial with Real Madrid. Everyone was excited about the idea of seeing him play for Real Madrid. In the end, the deal didn't happen, and we all know how the story ended."

Regarding Al-Hala's physical condition for Mbappé, he clarified: "He is fine. He had a minor setback, but he is ready to play tomorrow."

Regarding the reason for Kylian Mbappé's absence in front of the media, he said: "Today Rabiot came out. The requirement is for a player and the coach to appear. Today it was Rabiot's turn."

Regarding the possibility of new ideas in his first match, Zidane said: "The idea is that we can present interesting things. We cannot talk about Zidane's genius; the most important thing is that we are ready tomorrow. We have only had three training sessions. Tomorrow it will be necessary for us to be prepared to deliver a great match. We have a tough opponent with great players."

When asked about Ousmane Dembélé's readiness, Zidane simply said: "You will see tomorrow... We will see tomorrow what happens with Dembélé."

The French coach spoke about the great excitement surrounding him ahead of his first appearance, saying: "This is natural. After 14 years with Deschamps, there is something new. There is talk about my first appearance, about something new, and that makes sense. But the champions are the players. And I continue to focus on my role as the coach of the national team."

Speaking about his feelings on taking charge of France, Zidane said: "I would say that my first appearance as a coach of the national team is more exciting than my first appearance as a player. It has been 32 years since my first appearance as a player. I feel a huge excitement to be here with the French national team."

Zinedine Zidane spoke about Arda Güler, whom he knows well from Real Madrid, saying: "He is a great Turkish player playing at Real Madrid. He has a very strong personality. He does wonderful things for his age. I am happy to have him at Real Madrid. Will there be a new Zidane? Now French players come as they are. I am very happy to train them. I hope to enjoy a lot with this team."

Speaking about his assessment of the first training sessions with the national team, he explained: "I am happy with what I have seen. I saw young players who have never joined the national team before. The French national team is always open to everyone. We have a good group that includes experienced players and young players. Everything is going well."

Regarding the playing style he wants to implement with France, he said: "You will see tomorrow how I play. I think the midfield is important. Tomorrow we have a tough match against a good team. It will be essential for us to be attentive with the ball and without it. It will be a good match anyway. It's not just about the midfield. We need to move around the pitch."

Zinedine Zidane has revealed the hierarchy of the French national team captains under his leadership, saying: "Kylian, then Dembélé, Rabiot, and Koundé. These are my four captains."

In closing his remarks, Zidane did not show any annoyance at the focus of questions on him personally rather than the national team, saying: "This does not bother me. We must accept things as they are. I will try to do my job with the players and try to establish a playing idea. What matters to me is the matches."