Christophe Galtier, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, has accepted responsibility for the commotion that followed Kylian Mbappe’s selection as team captain for Monday’s Coupe de France match against Pay de Cassel.

Mbappe assumed the captain’s role for the first time in his career in place of regular skipper Marquinhos. When questioned about the circumstance after the game, Galtier responded that Mbappe had served as vice-captain from the beginning of the campaign.

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Defender Presnel Kimpembe subsequently expressed his surprise at the development on social media. Kimpembe has captained PSG twice this season in the absence of Marquinhos, with Mbappe also in the lineup on both occasions.

Galtier has now clarified that Kimpembe and Mbappe are both vice-captains.

“It’s a communication error on my part. Everyone was surprised to see Kylian captain in the Coupe de France,” Galtier said at a news conference Friday.

“Kylian is one of the vice-captains of this group. We have a captain and four vice-captains who are Kimpembe, Marco [Verratti], Kylian and Sergio [Ramos].

“There is a criterion that I think is important, it’s not only this criterion but also the seniority at the club. When Marquinhos is not there for some reason, choice, injury or suspension, there is another captain.

“Neither Kimpembe nor Marco appeared during the Lens game. Since Kylian was sitting on the bench, I assumed it was Marquinhos.

“I spoke with Kimpembe to explain to him what I’m explaining to you,” the speaker said.

Since before the 2022 World Cup, Kimpembe has been sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury; nevertheless, Galtier also stated on Friday that the center-back would resume training with the rest of the team in a few days.

Mbappe moved within four goals of Edinson Cavani’s PSG scoring record of 200 goals with five goals in a 7-0 victory over Pay de Cassel.

On Sunday in Ligue 1, PSG will play Stade de Reims. PSG currently leads Marseille by three points in the rankings.