Lievremont close to breaking point

FRANCE Coach Marc Lievremont has rounded on journalists covering the French World Cup campaign, saying some of them take delight in seeing the French team lose.

His comments came the day after France lost heavily 37-17 to the All Blacks at Eden Park in the crunch match in Pool A. When asked by a French journalist if his team could still win the World Cup Lievremont angrily replied: “Go to hell with your question. The goal was and still is to qualify (for the quarter-finals.) Addressing his relations with the press the day after the match, Lievremont said: “I really regret the detestable atmosphere at these press conferences.

“I am sorry we cannot work together in a climate of confidence and have exchanges that are useful for both sides. But manifestly it is not the case “Often I come out (of the press conference) annoyed and upset because I sense this atmosphere.”

Lievremont, has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the World Cup, claimed certain journalists wanted to see France lose because that is what they hadpredicted.

“I have just got to take it all on the chin and make sure that it does not pollute my squad.”