Deschamps claims France captaincy decision wasn't made to please Mbappe

According to reports, Kylian Mbappe was named the new captain of

ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

However, France manager Didier Deschamps denied that pleasing

played any role in his decision to appoint him as captain, following Hugo Lloris' retirement, and stressed that it was based on the Paris Saint-Germain star's qualities and leadership skills.

On Thursday, Mbappe stated that Griezmann was unhappy with the decision, but Deschamps denied that he made the decision to satisfy Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.

"It's not a choice to make him happy, but because I am convinced that he has all the qualities to do so,"

Deschamps said in a press conference.

"I'm not going to go into details. You know how it went chronologically. I made the decision on Monday evening. Kylian has been used to being in this group for a while.

"He won't be alone. The most important thing is that it's not an extra burden for Kylian."

Deschamps is not worried that Mbappe will be overwhelmed with the added responsibility of being the captain, especially since the Paris Saint-Germain star has already scored 31 goals in 33 games this season.

"Being captain of the France team is a responsibility, but Kylian, when he is on the pitch, he thinks about what he has to do on the pitch,"

Deschamps continued.

"It comes naturally. There is no advice to give to him, Kylian knows."

When asked if Mbappe would have to become less selfish or alter his game as captain, Deschamps added: 

"That a striker can create individual actions, that's part of the role of a striker. It's not selfishness. He doesn't have to change."

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