The French team begins a new era during the two Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. Consequence of the surprise retirement of Antoine Griezmann. For the first time in more than a decade, the Blues found themselves at Clairefontaine without their number 7. And to the absence of the Mâconnais was added that of Kylian Mbappé, who in fact decided to skip on the gathering.
For these two matches, Didier Deschamps’ troops will therefore have to do without their usual captain as well as their former vice-captain. The question of the armband was also one of the issues at the start of the rally and several candidates naturally emerged. “There are a few players who have the profile, Ibrahima Konaté confided at a press conference on Tuesday. Whether it’s me, Mike (Maignan), Jules (Koundé) and Aurél (Tchouameni), maybe. »
A disavowal for Mike Maignan
And according to RMC Sport, the lucky winner’s name is Aurélien Tchouameni, who will therefore wear the captain’s armband on Thursday. An indisputable starter in the midfield since the 2022 World Cup, the French midfielder, also indisputable in the eyes of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, the former Bordeaux player is a voice that counts within the Blues locker room and a natural leader.
This nomination is nevertheless a disavowal for Mike Maignan, who nevertheless appeared to be the big favorite to inherit the armband. Consequence of his remarkable speaking out after the defeat conceded against Italy and his aura among his teammates. So many elements that made him a potential vice-captain. However, Didier Deschamps would not be convinced. And some argue that the French coach fears that the Blues goalkeeper will overshadow Kylian Mbappé…
