Rayan Cherki hails France's fluid football in Zinedine Zidane's debut win

The dawn of Zinedine Zidane's tenure as France head coach began with a successful, albeit testing, trip to Turkey. In a match defined by high stakes and a physical atmosphere, Les Bleus secured a narrow victory to open their Nations League campaign on a positive note.

Kylian Mbappe provided the decisive moment before his evening was unfortunately cut short by a physical setback. The injury to the captain has left both fans and staff waiting for updates on his fitness, casting a shadow over the otherwise successful result.

Rayan Cherki expressed his satisfaction with how the team navigated the difficult circumstances: "Frankly we are very happy. We knew it was going to be a pretty complicated match, we knew Turkey's qualities. The pitch didn't help us, a very complicated pitch. But frankly very happy with the game we produced. In the duels, we were present, we gave everything we could today." Rayan Cherki

Despite limited preparation time, the influence of the World Cup winner is already becoming apparent. Cherki noted that the squad had to adapt quickly to the tactical framework laid out by the new coaching staff, focusing on ball control and fluid movement.

For many of the French internationals, playing under an icon like Zidane is a transformative experience. Cherki, who operated in the heart of midfield, revealed that the squad was determined to ensure Zidane's first match in charge resulted in a victory, viewing the win as a tribute to their new boss.

As France continues its journey in the Nations League, the focus will shift to refining the patterns of play Zidane has introduced. While the Mbappe injury is a concern, the tactical flexibility shown by the squad suggests they have the tools to adapt and build on this foundation.