Being left out of French squad biggest blow of my career: Landreau

Goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admitted on Thursday that being axed from France's Euro 2008 squad was the biggest setback of his career.

Landreau, who until recently was clear number two to Gregory Coupet, confessed he had not expected to be one of the seven players cut by coach Raymond Domenech, even if he had had a traumatic season with Paris Saint Germain which saw him commit several dreadful and costly errors.

PSG only avoided relegation on the final day of the season, and lost to champions Lyon in the French Cup final, though, they did win the League Cup.

“Being excluded is the biggest disappointment of my career, and at the same time the biggest setback I have experienced,” the 11-times capped former Nantes 'keeper told France Football magazine, which is due to be published on Friday.

“I felt like I had been hit in the face because I had not been expecting it.

“It felt like I had been bludgeoned. However, I have every intention of bouncing back,” he added.

Landreau refused to divulge what was said between himself and Domenech, who was coach when he was in the Under-21 side 10 years ago.

“I am not that type of person who wants to spill his guts, to go public,” he said.

“I am disappointed, wounded as well.

“I am a faithful person and I have no need to ditch my values in order to get rid of my bitterness.

“What took place in my room between myself and the coach will remain between us.”

Landreau, though, dismissed the claim made by Domenech in March that there was a comlacency among the leading French goalkeepers that they were untouchable.

“At no time did I feel that. With the situation PSG were in there was no time for that!”