Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has taken over the France national team from Didier Deschamps and looks set to lead Les Bleus into their new era.
His team drew 1-1 with Italy last night, but Zidane refused to use Kylian Mbappe’s absence as an explanation for France’s 1-1 Nations League draw against Italy.
The Real Madrid forward missed Friday’s match at the Stade de France after suffering a left-knee hyperextension against Turkey last week.
Zidane refuses to make excuses
Speaking after the Italy draw, Zidane was asked whether Mbappe’s absence had affected his team.
As quoted by AS, he refused to get drawn into that narrative.
“Did Kylian Mbappe’s absence affect the team? We cannot say. He is not here; he is injured,” Zidane said.
It was a clear-cut response from the former Real Madrid coach, who understandably preferred to focus on the players available to him.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Kylian Mbappe injured himself scoring a goal against Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
France certainly created opportunities without Mbappe. Michael Olise put them ahead against Italy, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised as Zidane’s side were held to a draw.
The France coach felt his team deserved more from the match and pointed towards their failure to capitalise on opportunities.
Madrid waiting for their superstar
For Real Madrid, however, the important issue is not how France cope without Mbappe. It is when he will be available again.
It was a freak injury for the Los Blancos star, who injured his knee while scoring the goal that gave France all three points.
It was initially feared that Mbappe had suffered a significant injury, but subsequent tests showed that he had managed to escape one.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Real Madrid will want Kylian Mbappe back as soon as possible. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Despite this, the Frenchman is still not back in training and was spotted in Paris, with no clarity on a potential return date.
Mbappe has become the focal point of Madrid’s attack, and with Villarreal awaiting immediately after the international break, there is little reason for either club or country to rush his recovery.
Even if he is not available for the game against the Yellow Submarine, it should not be long before Mbappe returns to action for Mourinho.
France and Zidane are discovering how to function without their captain. Madrid would rather not have to do the same without their talisman for long.
It remains to be seen how Mbappe’s recovery pans out and whether he is ready to go for Los Blancos after the international break.
Davide Ancelotti explains why Vinicius is so loved inside Real Madrid dressing room
Davide Ancelotti, former Real Madrid assistant coach
Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior has endured plenty of scrutiny during his Real Madrid career and is going through a less-than-favourable moment at the club right now.
His form has not been great for either club or country since the start of the campaign, and he is looking to get back to his best sooner rather than later.
Davide Ancelotti has now offered a perspective on why the Brazilian enjoys the dressing room’s support despite these difficult moments.
Ancelotti highlights Vinicius’ team-first mentality
In an interview with AS (h/t Madrid Zone), Ancelotti, now coaching Lille, spoke about what makes Vinicius so loved.
“Vinicius has always been there for the team, which is why his teammates love him,” Ancelotti said.
It is a significant assessment from someone who knows the Madrid dressing room extremely well. Davide spent years alongside his father, Carlo, at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius Jr. has not been in the greatest of form this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
He worked closely with Vinicius during the winger’s rise into one of Madrid’s decisive players and one of the world’s best players.
A different picture of Vinicius
From outside Madrid, much of the conversation around Vinicius inevitably focuses on confrontations, reactions and controversy.
Inside the dressing room, however, the picture has consistently appeared different. That support matters, particularly during a difficult period for the Brazilian.
Increased competition in Los Blancos’ attack is putting significant pressure on the South American to start performing.
He was hooked even before the hour mark against Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, and it was not something the player would have been particularly happy about.
Madrid need their winger back at his best
Being popular with teammates will not remove the sporting demands placed on Vinicius.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Real Madrid need the version of Vinicius that could terrorize opposition defences. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid ultimately need goals, assists and the devastating one-v-one threat that made him such an important figure in their biggest victories.
However, dressing-room relationships matter when a major player is trying to rediscover confidence.
Ancelotti worked with Vinicius through some of the best years of his Madrid career, and he understands that the team will help the Brazilian get back to his best.
Mourinho will hope for the same and to see Vinicius somewhere close to that level after the international break, and it remains to be seen how the rest of his season pans out.