‘Kylian Mbappe wanted France captaincy more than Antoine Griezmann’ – Inside Europe on Didier Deschamps call
Fresh from becoming the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final – and the first on the losing team after penalty shootout heartbreak to Argentina in Qatar – Kylian Mbappe has been named the new France captain ahead of Antoine Griezmann.
World Cup
How ‘hybrid midfielder’ Griezmann is having ‘best tournament’ in France colours
13/12/2022 AT 16:43
Michel Platini has called the move “a very good idea”, while current French centre-back Ibrahima Konate said, “Mbappe deserves it, we are unanimous on that”. Not everyone agrees, however, with former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires saying the decision reveals a “lack of respect towards Antoine”.
So why has Deschamps turned to his 24-year-old hotshot to lead France into Euro 2024 and not the more experienced Griezmann, who has started a record 74 consecutive games for France? We asked Eurosport France’s Maxime Dupuis for the lowdown…
“Griezmann was not a more obvious pick, but different. A leader by example but quieter,” says Dupuis.
“Mbappe, on the other hand, is more vocal and wanted it. It is a strategic choice. It is difficult to go against Mbappe who has the qualities and the legitimacy to be captain.
“Platini became captain at the same age. He will ‘just’ have to learn to be more rounded – and potentially less divisive. But his voice carries, and he has indirectly pushed out the FFF president.”
Le Graet said he “wouldn’t pick up the phone” if the 1998 World Cup-winning star called to discuss coaching the national team, prompting Mbappe to write on Twitter, “we don’t disrespect the legend like that”.
As to Griezmann, reliable source Le Figaro said he is “upset and hurt” by Deschamps’ armband snub, and is now considering his future with the national team.
“Griezmann was disappointed not to be chosen. More than angry,” Dupuis says.
“He is here since 2014 and seems to be a good choice, but Deschamps also knows that he is a leader on the pitch, a model. Not a vocal one outside.
“But is it a big gamble? To disappoint Mbappe would have been one too. The perfect choice was Varane, but he retired. Or Paul Pogba, who has been out injured from France duty for a year.
“Once the two were not there, it was Mbappe or Griezmann. The first one wanted it more than the second.”
World Cup
England face up to a confusing exit – The Warm-Up
12/12/2022 AT 08:38
World Cup
Benzema absence has allowed Mbappe and Griezmann to flourish – View from France
09/12/2022 AT 06:44
Read the full article Here