Didier Deschamps insists he WON’T be influenced by PSG making Kylian Mbappe stand-in skipper – but says the superstar has the communication skills to be the next France captain after Hugo Lloris’ retirement
- Kylian Mbappe has been tipped to be selected as the new France captain
- Hugo Lloris retired from international duty earlier in the year
- The Paris-Saint Germain forward captained his club on the weekend
France boss Didier Deschamps has discussed the potential of making Kylian Mbappe the new captain of the national side and admitted his situation at PSG has no affect on any decision.
Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from the French national team following the 2022 World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina on penalties.
Therefore, France are seeking a new captain and Deschamps is set to name a successor to Lloris before their Euro 2024 qualifying match against the Netherlands on Friday.
Mbappe has proven his worth to France on the pitch, netting an incredible hat-trick in December’s World Cup final, but he is not believed to be the only player in the running for the captaincy of his country.
Raphael Varane was believed to be the frontrunner for the captaincy once Lloris retired, but the Manchester United star also decided to hang up his boots on the national stage.
Kylian Mbappe (left) shares a strong relationship with France boss Didier Deschamps
Mbappe was impressive as he won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup
Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from France duty back in January after the World Cup
The likes of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud offer a more experienced international option for Deschamps, with the latter becoming France’s all-time top goalscorer in December.
However, Mbappe will be a mainstay on the international stage for years to come and has already shown his quality and reliability for his country in two World Cups.
When asked about the possibility of naming the 24-year-old PSG forward as the next France captain, Deschamps remained coy on the situation.
He told the press: ‘I’m going to use these first few days with the group to discuss it with the players concerned.
‘Obviously, Kylian is one of those players. So, you’ll know a bit more the next time I see you. In other words, the day before the game, on Thursday.’
Deschamps, who extended his stay as France boss following an impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, continued to highlight the qualities that Mbappe possesses in a hint towards handing the 24-year-old the captain’s armband.
‘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,’ he continued.
‘So, I don’t think that’s a problem on that side.
Mbappe has been tipped to be named as the new France captain but faces competition
Antoine Griezmann (L) and Olivier Giroud (R) are thought to be contenders for the armband
Deschamps is expected to make his decision ahead of Friday’s clash against the Netherlands
However, the France boss admitted that he has not yet made a decision on who will succeed Lloris despite all things pointing towards Mbappe.
‘But, well, I can’t tell you any more because I haven’t decided today.’
Mbappe has already worn the armband at club level, taking on the role as captain as PSG suffered a shock defeat by Rennes on Sunday, but this experience will not influence Deschamps’ decision.
The France boss insisted: ‘Of course, I watch the games.
‘But Kylian’s situation or any player’s situation at club level is not the same as the one he has here with the national team, so it will not be a way for me to choose.’
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