The World cup seemed like yesterday and memories of Kylian Mbappe’s heroics in the tournament remains vibrant. While fans and pundits alike predict the 24-year old to be the next big thing in football there are others who still cast doubts over his leadership aspect of the game.
One of them is Mario Fernandez. The former PSG manager made some controversial remarks regarding the same.
The 63-year-old spoke with Le Parisien and stated that Atlético de Madrid star Antoine Griezmann should be captain.
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“Warning, I’m not saying he shouldn’t wear it,” Fernandez told the French media. “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.”
“Mbappe is one for the future”: Fernandez
Mbappé did demonstrate leadership abilities in the World Cup final loss against Argentina last December, when he motivated France to rally from a 2-0 deficit and force extra time.
The PSG star once more tied the game, sending it to penalties, where the South American country won. Instead of giving the captaincy to the guy who is currently the face of French football, Fernández seems to desire a seasoned player.
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