Domenech hits out at France squad

Raymond Domenech has criticised the current France squad for what he perceives to be a lack of togetherness.

Les Bleus were eliminated from Euro 2012 against Spain on Saturday amid widespread reports of in-fighting in the wake of their disappointing Group D loss to Sweden.

And Domenech, who was in charge of his country between 2004 and 2010, feels that the current crop of French talent – including Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery – displayed their selfishness and lack of camaraderie throughout their unsuccessful campaign.

“This generation showed the full extent of its weaknesses,” Domenech wrote in his column for French newspaper Ouest France.

“The most glaring being their inability to see anything past their nose. Nasri was the most visible symbol of this.

“The case of Franck Ribery is also symptomatic of the mood. From Kircha to Knysna (France’s training bases at the 2010 World Cup), Franck has been affected by his desire to recover his image.

“In the team, Benzema was alone. He does not stay in attacking positions. He wanted to be the saviour. It was an impossible mission for him.

“The substitutes are a group of freemasons. Either they strengthen a team, or they destroy it. Jeremy Menez may as well start a demolition company.”

And the former Lyon coach urged the French Football Federation to institute a new system for developing young players in the country.

“We must change the philosophy of our sports education and place the collective at the centre of the training for future professionals,” he said.

Laurent Blanc’s side will begin their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup in September, and must contend with Spain if they are to secure automatic qualification for the tournament.