## Rothen’s Bold Assertion: Olise and Dembélé Over Mbappé
In a surprising declaration, Jérôme Rothen, former AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain star, has positioned Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé as the future leaders of the French national team, suggesting that Kylian Mbappé should step back from a leadership role. This statement comes in light of recent performances by Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where several French internationals showcased their immense talent.
### The Rise of Olise and Dembélé
Rothen’s remarks focus on the remarkable skills of Olise and Dembélé, both of whom have recently displayed a level of creativity and technical know-how that he believes surpasses that of Mbappé. He emphasizes that both players shine in critical moments—and their ability to influence matches is noteworthy. According to Rothen, “When you see Dembélé and Olise… when they touch the ball, it’s incredible!”
This recognition of Olise and Dembélé reflects a broader trend in football, where dynamic attacking players are increasingly celebrated for their ability to change the game with their vision and flair.
### Reassessing Mbappé’s Role
Rothen argues that placing the burden of being the technical leader solely on Mbappé is unreasonable. He contends that while Mbappé is undoubtedly a prolific goal scorer, a restructured team dynamic focusing on Olise and Dembélé’s capabilities could yield better results for France. In his view, Mbappé should focus on his strengths as an efficient forward, rather than trying to lead the team in creativity.
He adds, “We have to play to our strengths… There is a structure to put in place around it.”
This perspective calls for a strategic shift in how the France team plays, emphasizing a collective approach over reliance on an individual star.
### Implications for the French National Team
Rothen’s comments have sparked conversation among fans and analysts about the potential reconfiguration of the French national team ahead of major tournaments. With the World Cup fast approaching, aligning strategic roles with the players’ current form and skill set is critical.
Should Rothen’s vision become a reality, it would require a significant transformation in how Didier Deschamps, the French national coach, approaches team selection and tactics.
### Conclusion: A New Era?
While Kylian Mbappé remains a key figure in French football, Rothen’s assertion elevates Olise and Dembélé to the forefront of the national conversation. As fans eagerly await the World Cup, this debate around player roles and team dynamics will likely influence the future of the French national squad—potentially paving the way for a new era in which talented players like Olise and Dembélé command attention alongside established stars like Mbappé.
In reconfiguring their roles, the French team may not only unlock new potential but also foster a more cohesive and dominant style of play on the international stage.