football

Gregory Coupet denounces 'dictatorship' under Domenech

Monday 29 September 2008

Former French national keeper Gregory Coupet tackles coach Raymond Domenech's management methods in an interview to be published on Tuesday. He deplores the "dictatorship that has been implemented".

Former French national keeper Gregory Coupet launched a tirade against his old boss Raymond Domenech on Monday, comparing his running of Les Bleus to a dictatorship.
  
"The players cannot speak, they are bound. I can speak because I've left. It's a dictatorship that has been implemented...
  
"The FFF (French football federation), the staff and all those connected need to take a good look at themselves in the mirror," the Atletico Madrid stopper told France Football magazine.
  
"It is the whole that makes the French team... Domenech is playing with the people, but ends up breaking his word.
  
"It's all very sad because there is enormous quality being wasted."
  
Domenech has come under heavy criticism since he took over in 2004, with his most vociferous detractors - including World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit - calling for his head after France's dismal showing at Euro 2008.
  
Coupet, who won seven league titles with champions Lyon, was part of the French squad at the Austria and Switzerland finals, but has been overlooked for the number one jersey by Steve Mandanda and Hugo Lloris.
  
In July David Trezeguet retired from international football, a move many saw as directly related to his strained relationship with the coach.
  
But Domenech remains resolute, and is often quoted as saying that he will not change his ways.
  
Ahead of France's World Cup qualifier against Serbia earlier this month, the 56-year-old lashed out at the French media.
  
"In the world today... it is the smell of blood that interests you," he said.
  
"Thankfully the guillotine doesn't exist anymore because there are some among you who would have the malicious pleasure of sending me for the chop. Perhaps it would be better if I had killed someone."