The choice of Didier Deschamps to entrust the captain’s armband to Kylian Mbappé goes badly with some. Consequence of the little case made of Antoine Griezmann.
It was one of the main challenges of this first post-World Cup rally. As a result of the international retirements of Hugo Lloris and Raphaël Varane, Didier Deschamps had to appoint a new captain for the France team. Paul Pogba once again on the flank, two players were in contention: Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann.
And as expected, the tricolor coach opted for the Bondynois. A choice that the former captain of the Blues explained on Tuesday. « I am in an internal logic and in relation to Kylian too, in the context of the retirement of Hugo (Lloris) and Raphaël (Varane). It is also in line with what is happening on the ground, internally. And what I expect during this internship and in the future, he told Ouest France. Kylian ticks all the boxes to have this additional responsibility. But on the other hand, it doesn’t go against Antoine (Griezmann) who has always been an important player, even in difficult times when he was also criticized. He will also have the responsibility of vice-captain, with other players certainly to make the link, to be a unifier in the group. »
The blow was hard to take for Antoine Griezmann. For some, the Madrilenian would even wonder about his future in selection. Robert Pirès understands the bitterness of the No. 7 tricolor. For the former Messin, the choice Didier Deschamps is not logical. “Given the longevity, years past, I expected Griezmann to be nominated. I am surprised, he reacted to AFP. It is the strong man of Didier, the one who counts the most, who has the most tenures in a row. It’s a lack of respect for Antoine I find even if, I insist, I have nothing against Kylian. »
