Didier Deschamps claims that Antoine Griezmann’s disappointment at being passed over for France captain in favour of Kylian Mbappe “lasted two minutes.”
It took less than two minutes for Mbappe to assist Griezmann on France’s way to a 4-0 win over the Netherlands at the Stade de France on Friday, giving the French a strong start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Deschamps named Mbappe as his new captain ahead of Griezmann, who also scored twice after Dayot Upamecano found the net, but said in a post-match press conference that there are no issues between the two.
“Fortunately, I don’t know what is said and written. The two get along well, they work well and they have the same objective of seeing the French team perform well,” he said.
“Antoine’s disappointment lasted two minutes. There is not the slightest problem, like the whole group. Everyone gave off positive vibes.”
.@KMbappe 🫂 @AntoGriezmann #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/lpySkxJrtb
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 24, 2023
Mbappe completed the scoring in the 88th minute, though the Netherlands won a penalty in stoppage time, only for Mike Maignan to save from Memphis Depay.
While Mbappe replaced Hugo Lloris as captain after his retirement, Maignan was playing his first game since being confirmed as Lloris’ replacement as France’s new first-choice goalkeeper, and Deschamps was in no doubt about the decision.
“It’s Mike. I didn’t have to ask myself the question,” he said. “He was injured but whether it was his qualities as a goalkeeper or his mentality… total confidence. It went very well for him. Mike has everything to take over [from Lloris].”
France had a 3-0 lead after just 21 minutes, having not led so early in a game since December 1953 when they beat Luxembourg 8-0, and had a 2-0 lead by the 10th minute.
“I don’t know [if it was a perfect evening], but [it was] a very nice evening,” Deschamps said. “The start was very good, efficient… We managed in the second half while continuing to be dangerous. That Mike stopped this penalty at the end ended the evening well.”
Deschamps also said there could be changes for Monday’s second Group B game away at the Republic of Ireland, adding: “It will be another fight for us to fight.”