22 March 2023 , 11:51
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Didier Deschamps maintains he is not "taking the armband away" from Antoine Griezmann by making Kylian Mbappe the new France captain.
The Les Blues talisman was announced as his country's new leader following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, who had long been in the role. Mbappe is only 24, but has a wealth of experience having burst onto the scene as a teenager with Monaco and is already a World Cup winner.
Deschamps, who was not short of options, claimed that Mbappe "ticked all the boxes to be it at some point. It is natural and logical that Kylian is made captain, especially from the point where he also wants it.”
Griezmann has 51 more international appearances than Mbappe; having made his France debut back in 2014. French outlet Le Figaro claim the Atletico Madrid man has been left devastated by the decision whilst it also adds he's now considering his international future after believing he was poised to take hold of the armband.
The decision to make him vice-captain doesn't appear to have softened the blow but Deschamps is adamant both Griezmann and Mbappe have role to play. The France boss said: “He knew very well that he had the possibility of being it (captain). I spoke with him, but despite it all giving it to Kylian is not taking it away from Antoine.
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"Antoine, he has something additional as well, he has always been a very important player, I have always kept my confidence in him during much more difficult periods for him. Antoine, with what he does on the pitch, he is a key pillar in the sense of being the motor. He was and he will remain so in the future.”
Kylian Mbappe has been handed the armband ahead of Antoine GriezmannMbappe's performances at the World Cup saw him claim the Golden Boot, owing largely to his hat-trick in the final defeat against Argentina. The PSG star almost singlehandedly delivered the trophy with a show of immense individual brilliance.
Griezmann also played a staring role and decision over the captaincy the decision is split with France's leading scorer Olivier Giroud backing the call.
He said: “He showed that he was a leader. It will give him more responsibilities but he relishes that. He will be different from Hugo [Lloris]. He acts as link between the old and the new generation. I can only wish him to have fun and to guide this new crop.”
Robert Pires though is not of the same opinion, citing a lack of respect from Deschamps. He said: “A logical choice? Honestly, no. Considering his longevity, what he’s done down the years, I was expecting it to be Griezmann. Antoine is Didier’s stalwart, the one with the most caps in a row. It’s a lack of respect towards Antoine. Although I must stress I have nothing against Kylian."