How did France set up in Zinédine Zidane’s first training session? | OneFootball

On Tuesday, Zinédine Zidane held his first ‘proper’ training session as manager of the France national team. Zizou had taken charge of his first session on the Monday, albeit with many of the 23 players that he selected absent. Kylian Mbappé was the only absentee on Tuesday (due to illness), which allowed a glimpse into how Les Bleus will look under their new manager.

L’Équipe report that, in the session, France played in a 4-3-3. Certainties are beginning to emerge. Mbappé will, indeed, return to his position on the left flank, marking a departure from how Didier Deschamps utilised the Real Madrid forward. In his absence, it was, however, Bradley Barcola who played in this position. Ousmane Dembélé will operate as the central striker.

There were places in the defence for Pierre Kalulu, Jérémy Jacquet, Ibrahima Konaté, and Adrien Truffert. Lucas Da Cunha, who will look to earn his first cap, was placed in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki, whilst Désiré Doué occupied the role on the right of the attack. There was then a second XI that was tested by Zidane.

1st France XI

Mike Maignan; Adrien Truffert, Ibrahima Konaté, Jérémy Jacquet, Pierre Kalulu; Adrien Rabiot, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha; Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué.

2nd France XI

Mike Maignan; Andy Diouf, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Koundé; Manu Koné, Maghnes Akliouche, Eduardo Camavinga; Bradley Barcola, Esteban Lepaul, Michael Olise.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle