Kylian Mbappé, who missed the last two France team gatherings, will return in March.
When asked about his star forward, Didier Deschamps clarified that he did not plan to take the captain’s armband away from him, despite the off-field challenges Mbappé faced last autumn.
“There have always been internal discussions, whether individual or collective. They may be interpreted as criticisms, but I always take something from these exchanges, even when the timing isn’t ideal. I believe Kylian handled the situation very well after Hugo (Lloris) and Raphaël (Varane) retired following the World Cup in Doha. He took on the captain’s role with Antoine (Griezmann) as vice-captain. And the autumn doesn’t affect his leadership in relation to what he has done and what he is capable of,” said the French coach to L’Équipe.
“From My Side, Yes, He Will Be Captain”
“I have no reason today to say he won’t be captain in March. By saying ‘today,’ I know this could be interpreted, but I will discuss it with him, as we often do.”
Deschamps added, “I talk and exchange with him regularly. From my side, I have no argument to suggest a change. From my side, yes, he will be captain. But if, through a conversation, there are things I don’t know yet that may lead us to rethink… it will only be based on him.”
