Deschamps douses insinuation of controversy over new France captain 

PSG star Kylian Mbappe will take over as captain of France after Hugo Lloris stepped down following the World Cup final defeat to Argentina, a source close to the team has told AFP.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, 24, accepted the role after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps.

His first game as captain will be Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France, Les Bleus’ first match since their World Cup final disappointment in Doha on December 18.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris, 36, brought an end to his international career in January, in the weeks after Lionel Messi’s Argentina side beat the French in a penalty shootout following a thrilling match that ended 3-3 in extra-time.

Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann was named vice-captain after Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane also hung up his boots following the defeat to Argentina in December.

Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final defeat, had been heavily linked with the captain’s role for weeks.

Michel Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, said the decision was “a very good idea”.

“In giving him the responsibility of the captaincy, it allows Kylian, when necessary, to go still further, higher, stronger,” Platini, the ex-head of European football’s governing body UEFA, said in a statement to AFP.

Mbappe helped Les Bleus to World Cup glory as a teenager in 2018 and has established himself as arguably the leading forward on the global stage.

The Paris-born former Monaco player is vice-captain at PSG behind Brazilian defender Marquinhos and led the side in the defender’s absence during Sunday’s loss to Rennes.

Mbappe has scored 19 goals in 24 Ligue 1 matches this season and contributed seven goals in PSG’s run to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they were knocked out by Bayern Munich.

France are grouped with the Dutch, the Republic of Ireland, Greece and Gibraltar in their qualifying group for Euro 2024, to be held in Germany.

Meanwhile,  Didier Deschamps has responded to claims that Griezmann is "upset and hurt" by the decision to name Kylian Mbappe as the new captain.

Amid reports that the Atletico Madrid man is 'reconsidering his future' with the national team, the head coach of the French national team has come clean on how the choice was eventually made and the way forward.

The decision has since not gone down well with Griezmann whom many deemed as the rightful successor to inherit the captain's armband.

Since making his debut in 2014, he has been a mainstay in the side and has started a record 74 consecutive games for France. However, the feat could be in jeopardy, with the attacker seemingly considering his future with the national team following the latest development.

Ahead of France's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches, Deschamps has lifted the lid off the lingering issue.

Asked if there was any element of disappointment on the part of Griezmann, he said: "He [Griezmann] knew very well that he had the possibility of being it (captain).

I spoke with him, but despite it all giving it to Kylian is not taking it away from Antoine.

"Antoine, he has something additional as well, he has always been a very important player, I have always kept my confidence in him during much more difficult periods for him. Antoine, with what he does on the pitch, he is a key pillar in the sense of being the motor. He was and he will remain so in the future."

In the meantime, Griezmann who has been named the vice-captain and is expected to play a crucial role in France's EURO 2024 journey under the guidance of Deschamps.

The duo was seen in good spirits before and during a media-open training session at the Clairefontaine French national team base on Tuesday.

France's upcoming EURO 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at home on Friday will mark Mbappé's debut as captain for the national team.