Mansion Sports – Kylian Mbappe has expressed his happiness at being able to work with Zinedine Zidane again, describing the former midfielder’s appointment as the new France national team coach as something straight out of a movie.

The two first met when Zidane invited a young Mbappe to trial with Real Madrid more than a decade ago, and they will now work together following the departure of Didier Deschamps.

Mbappe and Zidane’s Reunion

Speaking in an interview with Spanish daily AS, Mbappe looked back on the history he shares with Zidane.

The new national team coach replaced Deschamps on Friday, taking charge of Les Bleus ahead of their Nations League match against Turkey.

Mbappe recalled their first meeting by saying: “He was the first person to pick me up and take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14 years old, so that was a very long time ago.”

“Now he is the coach of my national team. It’s like a movie, but it’s incredible. It’s real.” Les Bleus have begun their preparations under Zidane with renewed optimism.

Adapting to Life Without Didier Deschamps

The managerial change marks the end of an era, after Deschamps’ 14-year tenure came to an end following France’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-final in July.

Discussing the transition process, Mbappe outlined the team’s ambitions: “We are starting a new process with France. We have two years to prepare for the European Championship, and that is what we are focused on now.”

“It is a new era with a new coach. We have the Nations League coming up, four matches, and we will see how everything goes.”

“It will be something new for everyone because all we have known until now is Deschamps. It will be a change for us, but I think everything will go very well.”

Real Madrid Stumble Against Atletico Madrid

Away from international duties, Mbappe has enjoyed a productive start to the season, scoring eight goals in eight matches.

However, Real Madrid suffered a disappointing result on Sunday after losing 1-2 in the derby against Atletico Madrid. The defeat left Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

Although Mourinho criticized the match officials, Mbappe refused to get drawn into the controversy. “I have my own thoughts, but I keep them to myself. I have never been that kind of player and I am not going to start now,” Mbappe explained.

“Referees are human and can make mistakes, and there were mistakes, but I don’t want to get into that.”

What’s Next for France and Real Madrid?

Zidane will take charge of France for the first time when they travel to face Turkey in Izmit.

After the Nations League match, the France squad will continue a busy international break with matches against Belgium and Italy.

Meanwhile, Mbappe will soon have to shift his focus back to club duties once the international break ends, as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona and return to winning ways.

The story of Mbappe and Zidane’s reunion, which began when a 13- or 14-year-old boy was given the opportunity to experience the atmosphere at Real Madrid, is now entering a new chapter.

Years after their first meeting, the two will stand on the same side as they lead France into its next challenge.