Zidane irritated by gossip over his relationship with Mbappé: "I cannot prevent certain rumours from circulating..."

Zidane dismissed rumours of friction with Mbappé ahead of France's Nations League match against Turkey, insisting their relationship is excellent.

Zinedine Zidane addressed speculation about tensions with Kylian Mbappé in a pre-match press conference ahead of France's Nations League fixture against Turkey in Brussels. The France manager expressed frustration at the gossip circulating about his relationship with the Real Madrid captain, stating: "I cannot prevent certain rumours from circulating, but they are nonsense. It is a shame and rather irritating."

Zidane confirmed Mbappé would be available for the match, which is crucial for France's qualification to the Nations League quarter-finals. He described their working relationship as "perfect" and said he was pleased to have the forward back in the squad. When asked about Mbappé's positioning, Zidane kept his tactical plans vague, saying "Tomorrow he will be with us, then you will see how we play."

Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, also present at the conference, eased tensions by praising Mbappé's form and commitment, noting the forward was "totally focused on the national team" and ready to help France secure victory.