Zinedine Zidane is preparing to make an immediate tactical statement in his first match as France manager, with Kylian Mbappé expected to start on the left wing when Les Bleus face Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.

The former Real Madrid manager appears ready to introduce a 4-3-3 formation, with Ousmane Dembélé expected to operate as the central striker and Michael Olise occupying the right side of the attack.

The tactical plan has reportedly become increasingly clear during France’s training sessions at Clairefontaine, with Wednesday’s session providing further evidence of how Zidane intends to organise his team for his first competitive match in charge.

Mbappé Set for Return to the Left

One of the biggest changes under Zidane could be the positioning of Mbappé.

The France captain has frequently operated in central attacking areas in recent seasons, but Zidane is reportedly preparing to return him to the left flank against Turkey.

According to L’Équipe, Mbappé was positioned on the left during Wednesday’s tactical work, with Dembélé deployed through the middle and Olise on the right.

The move would give Mbappé the opportunity to attack from the left side, where he can receive the ball in wider areas before cutting inside or using his pace to attack the space behind the opposition defence.

It also allows Zidane to use Dembélé as a genuine No.9 rather than forcing the Barcelona forward into a wide role.

Dembélé Expected to Lead the Line

Dembélé’s expected position as the central striker is another significant feature of Zidane’s tactical plan.

The French forward has traditionally been associated with playing from the wing, but his versatility gives Zidane another option in the final third.

With Dembélé through the middle, France could have a highly mobile attacking trio. Mbappé would provide direct running and penetration from the left, Dembélé could move across the frontline and attack spaces centrally, while Olise would provide creativity and technical quality from the right.

This could create considerable movement between the three forwards rather than relying on a traditional target man.

The arrangement also reflects Zidane’s apparent intention to create a more balanced attacking structure rather than simply placing as many attacking players as possible on the pitch.

Olise Completes the Front Three

Michael Olise is expected to start on the right wing, completing what could be a fascinating attacking combination.

Olise has emerged as an important creative option for France, and his ability to operate between the wing and central attacking areas could be particularly useful in Zidane’s 4-3-3.

The French manager could therefore give his three forwards considerable freedom to interchange positions during possession.

When Mbappé moves inside, the left-back could potentially provide width. Similarly, Olise could move into the half-space on the right and create opportunities for the right-back to advance.

That flexibility is one of the potential strengths of the proposed system.

A New-Look Midfield

Zidane’s changes are not limited to the attack.

The midfield is also expected to feature a three-man structure, with Manu Koné reportedly positioned as the deeper midfielder. Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki are expected to operate as the more advanced midfielders.

The arrangement would give France a clearer midfield triangle.

Koné could provide defensive protection in front of the back four, while Rabiot would bring experience and physicality to the midfield. Cherki, meanwhile, could be given greater responsibility for progressing the ball and connecting midfield with the forwards.

Cherki’s role is particularly interesting because moving him into a midfield position would allow Zidane to utilise his creativity while giving France another technically gifted player between the lines.

A Clear Break From the Deschamps Era

Zidane’s proposed 4-3-3 represents a noticeable change from the structure France used during Didier Deschamps’ final period as manager.

AFP reported that Zidane’s arrival could bring several tactical changes, including a move away from the 4-2-3-1 system that had been used during Deschamps’ later period in charge.

Rather than immediately attempting to replicate his predecessor’s approach, Zidane appears to be putting his own tactical ideas into practice from the beginning.

That does not necessarily mean France will permanently use a 4-3-3. Modern teams regularly switch formations depending on whether they have possession or are defending. However, the training-ground setup provides an important indication of Zidane’s initial thinking.

Mbappé’s Fitness Remains a Point to Watch

There was also some concern earlier in the week regarding Mbappé’s availability.

Reuters reported that the France captain missed Tuesday’s training session because of flu-like symptoms. He remained at the team’s training base while his teammates trained, creating some initial uncertainty over whether he would be ready for Zidane’s first match.

However, subsequent reports indicated that Mbappé returned to training and was expected to be available for the Turkey fixture.

Mbappé’s involvement will be particularly important because Zidane has already confirmed that he will remain France captain. Mbappé himself has spoken positively about working under Zidane, describing the opportunity as something that feels almost like a movie.

Zidane’s France Era Begins With Plenty of Attention

Zidane’s first match on the France bench is naturally attracting enormous attention.

The former World Cup-winning midfielder returns to international management after a long period away from coaching, and his appointment has created considerable anticipation around the national team.

His first major decision could therefore be one of the most visible: moving Mbappé to the left, placing Dembélé centrally and building the attack around a 4-3-3.

If the reported training plans are maintained, France could line up with a front three of Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise, supported by a midfield trio of Koné, Rabiot and Cherki.

The final starting XI will only be confirmed when Zidane names his team, but Wednesday’s training session has provided a strong indication of what French supporters can expect.

For Zidane, the Turkey match will be more than simply the beginning of a new Nations League campaign. It will be the first opportunity to put his tactical identity on the France team and begin shaping the next chapter of Les Bleus under his management.