NOT HIM: Ex-PSG manager explains WHY Kylian Mbappé should be snubbed for France captaincy for Atletico Madrid star
The France national team will begin their UEFA Euro 2024 qualification against the Netherlands on March 24 at the Stade de France, with the vacant captaincy being one of the main questions surrounding the squad.
Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane both retired from international football after France’s 2022 FIFA World Cup defeat to Argentina.
As a result, some wonder if Kylian Mbappé is ready to lead Les Bleus.
However, former PSG player and manager Luis Fernández believes France should not yet hand over the captaincy to the 24-year-old.
The 63-year-old told Le Parisien that Atlético de Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann should be captain.
“Warning, I’m not saying he shouldn’t wear it,” Fernández told the French media outlet.
“But for the moment, I prefer that we leave him free, alone. He will have it one day, that’s for sure.
“But for now, let’s relieve him of that pressure. He is exceptional without the armband; let him remain so.
“After Euro 2024, of course, his time will come. It could, for example, prove itself at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“I really appreciated [Griezmann’s] attitude during the World Cup.
“He devoted himself body and soul. This armband would be both a reward and a logical decision.
“With [France manager] Didier [Deschamps], there is really a very strong bond. The coach needs to lean on this kind of guy.
“Two years ago, when he was in doubt at Barcelona, I wouldn’t have given it to him, but since then, he has shown great strength of character.”
Mbappé did demonstrate leadership qualities in France’s World Cup final loss to Argentina last December, when he willed France, which was trailing 2-0, to tie the game and send it to extra time.
The PSG star tied the game once more, sending it to penalty kicks, which the South American nation won.
However, Fernández appears to prefer a veteran captain over the player who is currently the face of French football.
- EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL: Man United welcomes Sevilla as Mourinho’s Roma makes trip to Rotterdam
- Arsenal suffered double injury blow in an excruciating Europa League exit
- Bayern Munich fullback picks Barcelona winger as the toughest opponent he has faced
- Arsenal star could make USMNT switch after being snubbed by England boss despite firing form
- Football pundit believes Leicester City star ‘better than Neymar’ as Newcastle draws interests
- NOT HIM: Ex-PSG manager explains WHY Kylian Mbappé should be snubbed for France captaincy for Atletico Madrid star
NOT HIM: Ex-PSG manager explains WHY Kylian Mbappé should be snubbed for France captaincy for Atletico Madrid star