Appointed captain of the France national team at the start of 2023, Kylian Mbappé is gearing up to lead his first major international tournament, Euro 2024, with the captain's armband. The 25-year-old striker was promoted to captaincy after Hugo Lloris' retirement and has already donned the armband eleven times in previous matches. Mbappé revealed the challenges of the role and his ambitions during an interview with Ouest-France, stating, 'I won’t win alone.' He emphasized the importance of teamwork, expressing his desire to shine light on his teammates, help them find their space, and be happy collectively.
Reflecting on his captaincy, the 2018 World Cup winner mentioned, 'Honestly, it’s tough being such a high-profile captain. I take up a lot of space.' Despite the tough expectations, Mbappé is driven by the desire to secure a third major trophy in the national team jersey, having already won the Nations League and the World Cup. 'I only have the Euro left,' he said. The striker is looking forward to this opportunity, hoping it would bring immense pleasure to win the tournament after a difficult previous edition.
The competition at Euro 2024 will not be easy, Mbappé acknowledges. Citing the challenging nature of teams like Austria and surprises such as Denmark's strong performance in 2021, he stressed that every team, including top nations like Germany and England, will be well-prepared. Mbappé also discussed the dynamic within the France team, describing a good atmosphere and the importance of staying focused. With years of experience and multiple tournaments under his belt, he is now one of the senior players in the squad.
Addressing his recent health issues, Mbappé candidly spoke about a sore throat and fever but assured that things are getting better, except for Kingsley Coman, who is still a bit ill. The French team has been working on various game strategies, including different formations such as 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, and stressing the importance of both dribbling and defending. The season's preparation with PSG and coach Luis Enrique has helped Mbappé maintain his form, and he remains focused on his role in the team.
Ousmane Dembélé praised Mbappé’s leadership, pointing out that he remains the same both at the club and national levels. 'He always has a smile, he’s always the same focused individual,' Dembélé said. The bond between Mbappé and his teammates is strong, with mutual support pushing them to elevate their performances.
As the French squad gears up for Euro 2024, the players are aware of the stiff competition and the need to stay united. The team's collective strength is seen as a major advantage, maintaining cohesion regardless of the circumstances on the field. With Mbappé's leadership and the solid support system within the team, hopes are high for a successful campaign at the tournament.
- Antoine Griezmann's efforts and N'Golo Kanté's support play crucial roles in France's tactical setups, contributing to the compactness and effectiveness of their formations.
- Didier Deschamps, the French team's coach, has also evolved, granting his players more freedom and showing greater trust over the years. This mutual trust between Deschamps and the players reiterates a strong relationship that bolsters team morale.
- The presence of competition among players like Coman, Kolo Muani, and newly returned Adrien Rabiot helps elevate individual performances and enhances the overall quality of the squad.
- The French team’s rigorous preparations and their diverse strategies aim to counter the unpredictability of international tournaments, ensuring they are ready to face any challenge thrown their way.
