Zinedine Zidane dismisses ‘nonsense’ over reported Kylian Mbappe tension

France manager Zinedine Zidane has rejected reports of a strained relationship with captain Kylian Mbappe, calling the claims “nonsense” before Sunday’s decisive Nations League meeting with Turkey.

Zidane said his relationship with the Real Madrid forward was working perfectly and described it simply as that between a manager and his player.

“I don’t understand that, but it is not serious,” Zidane said at his pre-match news conference. “My relationship with him is that of a manager with his player, and things are going perfectly.

“I cannot stop people saying whatever they want, but this is just nonsense. It is unfortunate and rather irritating.”

Mbappe missed France’s last match, a 3-1 defeat by Italy, after reporting muscular pain. Zidane had previously said the injury did not appear serious but chose not to risk the forward, who had wanted to play.

He confirmed Mbappe would be with the squad for the final Group A1 fixture at Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, although he stopped short of confirming whether he would start.

“It is better to have him with us,” Zidane said. “There is no problem. He will be with us tomorrow; everything else is the manager’s choice.”

France go into the match second in their group on 10 points, level with leaders Italy and one point ahead of third-placed Belgium. The result will determine their position in the race to reach the Nations League quarter-finals.

Zaire-Emery role confirmed

Zidane also clarified where he prefers to use Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, despite the player’s ability to operate in several positions.

The France manager said Zaire-Emery would be considered for a role in central midfield rather than at right-back.

“I prefer to see him in the middle, in midfield, in his usual position,” Zidane said.

“We have four players on the flanks and we choose according to the players available. If Warren plays, he will be in midfield. I want to see him in that position.”

Zidane also rejected the suggestion that France’s defence had been fragile during the defeat by Italy.

“I do not completely agree with what you are saying about the defence being fragile,” he told a journalist. “It was not that we were failing to defend well. On the contrary, I think we are doing that to a large extent.”

The manager also maintained his faith in Rayan Cherki and the position he has occupied in recent matches. Cherki, who plays for Manchester City, has been used as an advanced midfielder on the right.

“I see him doing well in this position,” Zidane said. “He can play in other positions, but he can also play there and does it very well to a large extent.”