Zidane Confirms Mbappé’s Central Role as France Prepare for Nations League Tests
France manager Zinedine Zidane has clarified how he plans to use Kylian Mbappé during the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, confirming that the captain will be able to lead the attack from his preferred central position. Speaking to reporters on Friday after announcing his second squad, Zidane also explained Lucas Hernandez’s omission, praised Paris Saint-Germain youngster Désiré Doué and paid tribute to Spanish forward Jesús de Miguel following his tragic death.
The announcement offers an early glimpse of Zidane’s tactical thinking as France prepare to face Italy on November 13 and Turkey on November 16. With Ousmane Dembélé unavailable because of injury, questions had emerged about how the coach would arrange his forward line—and whether Mbappé might again be used away from the centre.
Mbappé Set to Lead France Through the Middle
Zidane said Mbappé would have the opportunity to play as a central striker during the international break, rather than being restricted to a wide role. The decision is significant because the forward has featured on the left in previous France appearances, including during the September window.
“Kylian will also be able to play in his preferred position during this international break, at the heart of the attack, and there will be no problem,” Zidane said, according to Foot Mercato. He added that he tries to place every selected player in a role that suits them, while recognising that Mbappé has experience across the front line.
The France captain began his career as a winger and has also played on the right, but his movement, pace and finishing make him a natural option through the middle. With Dembélé sidelined, deploying Mbappé centrally could give France a direct outlet against both Italy and Turkey. It may also allow the team to use other wide attackers around him, creating space for quick combinations and runs behind the opposing defence.
For supporters considering a football prediction ahead of the two matches, Mbappé’s starting position will be one of the key details to watch. A central role could increase his chances of getting into scoring areas, although the effectiveness of that plan will depend on how well France supply him and how the opposition defend the space around the penalty box.
Hernandez Omitted as Zidane Makes Difficult Selection Calls
Lucas Hernandez will not be part of the squad for the Nations League games, despite recently showing strong form for Paris Saint-Germain. Zidane stressed that the decision was based on selection priorities rather than the defender’s age, and said the player remains eligible for future call-ups.
“No, he is not too old to be in the France national team. These are choices and, unfortunately, we are forced to make them,” Zidane explained. Hernandez was included in a preliminary pool of 64 players, but the coach ultimately chose other options for this camp. Zidane added that “the door remains open to everyone.”
The manager has selected Lenny Yoro, Adrien Truffert and Andy Diouf among the alternatives available on the left side of defence. Their inclusion points to a broader evaluation of the squad, with Zidane weighing form, tactical fit and the balance of the group rather than relying solely on established names.
International selections inevitably leave talented players disappointed, particularly when they have been performing well at club level. Zidane’s comments make clear that the omission is not necessarily a permanent judgement on Hernandez. Instead, the coach appears keen to keep competition open as he assesses different combinations ahead of the tournament schedule.
Zidane Sees His Own Ambition in Désiré Doué
While discussing France’s emerging talent, Zidane spoke warmly about PSG midfielder and forward Désiré Doué. The young player has made a strong impression over a short period, earning praise for his technical ability, attitude and desire to improve.
“What Désiré has been producing over a short period is truly wonderful,” Zidane said. He described Doué as a player with immense talent who listens, wants to develop and is driven to win trophies. The coach also highlighted the youngster’s ability to grow alongside his teammates, an attribute that can be just as important as individual skill in a national team environment.
Zidane made the personal comparison that caught particular attention, saying he sees something of himself in Doué’s approach as a young player. The remark was not simply about style or position. It reflected the former midfielder’s admiration for Doué’s appetite for progress and his willingness to keep learning.
That endorsement places added focus on Doué as France build for the future. Young players can bring energy and unpredictability, but international football also demands discipline and composure. If given an opportunity, Doué will have the chance to show whether his club form can translate to the demands of a high-pressure Nations League match.
France’s November Fixtures Offer an Early Tactical Test
France’s meetings with Italy and Turkey will give Zidane an important opportunity to assess his squad against two different styles of opposition. Italy are traditionally associated with organised defending and careful control of space, while Turkey can offer intensity and attacking threat. The matches should therefore test France’s ability to adapt, particularly in the final third.
Mbappé’s position, the balance of the wide attacking roles and the choices in defence will all shape the team’s performance. Zidane’s comments suggest that flexibility will remain central to his approach: players may have preferred positions, but the coach must also build a formation that works collectively. The upcoming games could reveal how closely France’s selection plans match the tactical demands of each opponent.
Zidane Pays Tribute to Jesús de Miguel
The press conference also included a sombre moment as Zidane addressed the death of Spanish forward Jesús de Miguel, a Tenerife player. The France manager said he did not want to discuss the circumstances in detail, but spoke of being deeply affected by the news.
“We do not want to see such scenes on football pitches,” Zidane said, expressing particular sympathy for de Miguel’s family and hoping that a similar tragedy would never happen again. His comments reflected the shock felt across the football community and shifted attention away from team selection and tactics to the human cost of such events.
As France prepare for their Nations League campaign, Zidane’s message was twofold: the squad remains open to competition, and the team’s immediate focus will be on making the most of its available talent. Mbappé’s central role, Doué’s development and the new defensive choices will all be watched closely when Les Bleus return to action.
