Former France coach Raymond Domenech has launched a scathing attack on several members of his 2010 World Cup squad in a new book, recounting his fury at their behaviour. In 'Tout Seul' (All Alone), published on Tuesday, Domenech describes calling the players 'a bunch of imbeciles' after they went on strike during the tournament in South Africa.
The squad shocked the nation by refusing to train after Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting Domenech at half-time of the second group game against Mexico. Domenech, whose six-year tenure ended after the disastrous campaign, reserves his harshest criticism for Franck Ribéry, Anelka and Thierry Henry. 'I couldn't bear to hear everyone giving their opinion on everything,' he writes. 'I just wanted to be sick, to cry, to leave.'
Domenech describes the day of the strike, when hundreds of locals gave the players a rousing reception in Knysna. After quickly shaking hands and signing autographs, the team returned to their bus. 'The France team had just crucified itself, in public, live on television,' Domenech says. 'Maybe the players realised it, maybe they didn't. Anyway, it was too late.'
The coach felt powerless to regain control. After the 2-0 defeat by Mexico, he exploded with rage in the hotel lobby when players skipped treatment. 'I'm out of here. I couldn't give a damn about this bunch of imbeciles,' he wrote. 'I have no energy left. I don't like them any more. I've had enough of their tantrums.'
Domenech confirms that Anelka insulted him with an expletive when he was criticised for not working hard enough. 'He insulted me at half-time of the Mexico match when I hadn't stopped fighting on his behalf ... he killed the squad,' Domenech writes. He describes Anelka as 'an enigma' who 'does nothing for others'.
The coach also reveals his belief that Ribéry despised playmaker Yoann Gourcuff. 'Ribéry doesn't like Gourcuff, that's for sure,' Domenech says. 'In his eyes I saw hatred, contempt or jealousy. He's the same as Anelka and Henry, everything revolves around their belly buttons.' Patrice Evra receives some praise for trying to unite the squad, but Domenech reproaches him for not calling off the strike. After the turmoil, Domenech found solace in the hotel bar: 'I went to bed after a few beers. Well, a few litres.'
