Ribery returns fire at Domenech

Midfielder Franck Ribery has hit back at former national coach Raymond Domenech for his attack on France’s World Cup squad.

Ribery was a member of Domenech’s squad during France’s infamous player walkout at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The French players refused to train in a show of a support for Nicolas Anelka, who was sent home for a heated verbal exchange with Domenech during France’s loss to Mexico.

Domenech, who was replaced by Laurent Blanc after France crashed out in the group stages, slammed the players as ‘brats’ for their part in the affair.

But Ribery, who competes at club level with German giants Bayern Munich, has criticised the former manager for the timing of his outburst.

“I don’t know why he says these things. I find it a shame,” Ribery told L’Equipe.

”The World Cup has gone, I don’t want to talk about Domenech anymore. I am very motivated to get back in the France team with a new staff and new coach.”

“In South Africa Domenech didn’t talk to us. He should have done it immediately, not only now. He should have said it to our face, it’s not good.”

Domenech broke his silence over France’s World Cup disaster on Tuesday, saying he was unfairly singled out when blamed was being apportioned following the humiliating opening round exit.

“Everyone is talking instead of me. I want to restore the truth. I’m not the moron that people are describing me as,” he told L’Express.

“Let’s be clear: I got it wrong, I mustn’t have chosen the right players nor found the words that were needed.”

“With hindsight, I see them mainly as a bunch of foolhardy brats.”