Didier Deschamps has confirmed the appointment of Kylian Mbappe as France’s new captain, snubbing Antoine Griezman in the process and leaving the Atletico Madrid star devastated
Antoine Griezmann feels ‘upset and hurt’ after being snubbed for the France captaincy in favour of Kylian Mbappe, it’s claimed.
Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps has officially chosen Mbappe, aged just 24, to replace Hugo Lloris in wearing the armband after the Tottenham goalkeeper announced his international retirement following their World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
Griezmann had been tipped to succeed Lloris in the role, having played 73 consecutive games for France, making up the bulk of his 117 international appearances. But the Atletico Madrid forward has missed out on the prestigious honour to Mbappe, whose appointment was confirmed on Tuesday ahead of Les Blues’ opening Euro 2024 qualifying match at home to the Netherlands.
“Kylian Mbappe is in the new France captain,” Deschmaps declared via TF1. “Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain. Kylian ticks all the boxes to have this responsibility. On the pitch as well as within the squad, by being a key element.”
Having informed the squad during a team meal on Monday evening, Deschamps’ hotly-debated decision to offer Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe the role has left Griezmann feeling devastated, French outlet Le Figaro say. There are even suggestion that the 32-year-old is considering his future at international level, as he’d spent the past few weeks dreaming of captaining his country.
If Griezmann were to quit the France setup, he’d be following Lloris, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane and long-serving goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in waving goodbye since the World Cup. Deschamps had hinted at his decision to hand Mbappe the armband during a press conference on Monday, with the captaincy situation still a hot.
“I’m going to use these first few days with the group to discuss it with the players concerned,” the experienced manager, who signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the French Football Federation in January to remain in charge, revealed. “Obviously, Kylian is one of those players. So, you’ll know a bit more the next time I see you.”
Elaborating on the PSG striker’s qualities as reporters probed for more detail, Deschamps said: “I think if he has one quality, in addition to all his other qualities, it’s that he’s someone who is pretty good, very good at communication. So, I don’t think that’s a problem on that side.”
In a recent interview, record appearance-maker Lloris emphatically backed Mbappe to be his successor with a glowing endorsement of his leadership credentials. “There is one player that is becoming more powerful in every aspect on and off the pitch and even in the functioning of the dressing room – it’s Kylian Mbappe,” the goalkeeper told Telefoot.
Griezmann has at least been given the role of vice-captain and is set to start alongside Mbappe in Friday’s game at the Stade de France. As the Netherlands come to Paris, Les Blues will begin their qualifying campaign for next summer’s European Championships which will be held in Germany.