Zidane demands 'tactical balance' after France down Turkey in winning debut

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal in the 54th minute in Kocaeli, firing France to victory in their opening UEFA Nations League match.

However, the night was soured by an injury to France captain Mbappe, who was forced off shortly after scoring.

Zidane revealed after the match that the Real Madrid forward had hyperextended his left knee and could be unavailable for France's next three matches.

"I think he'll have to return (to Madrid)," Zidane told TF1.

"We won't take any risks. He hyperextended his knee when taking the shot. That's not exactly encouraging if he is to continue."

The injury could leave France without their captain for Monday's meeting with Belgium, as well as their following Nations League fixtures.

Despite losing Mbappe, France held on against a determined Turkey, who continued to push until the final whistle before goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off late in the match.

"There is a lot of emotion," Zidane said of his winning debut. "It's a first, and starting with a victory is never easy, especially here in Turkey."

Zidane was pleased with the way his players dealt with the difficult atmosphere and praised their work without the ball.

"I think we played the game we needed to. We didn't let our opponent play; we went to press them quite high and were very aggressive in recovery," he said.

"With the ball, we knew how to do things correctly."

The former Real Madrid manager admitted there was still plenty to improve after France had only three and a half training sessions together under his leadership.

"I saw many interesting aspects, even though we only worked together for three and a half training sessions. It's very encouraging," Zidane said.

"I am satisfied with what the players achieved and I am happy that this debut went like this."

Zidane also stressed that France cannot rely solely on the individual quality in their squad. He wants his team to combine their attacking talent with a strong collective structure.

"This encounter shows that we can play in several ways, which is what interests me," he said. "Balance is the key to everything."

"We have players capable of making a difference at any time, but we must maintain a solid collective organisation so as not to expose ourselves."

Zidane also paid tribute to Turkey for maintaining their intensity throughout the match.

"Many thought they would drop off physically, but that was not the case. The Turks maintained a high intensity until the end," he said.

France will play their next match against Belgium on Monday at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

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