Media ‘massacre’ uniting Les Bleus

DRAMA seems to follow this French team like a bad smell. It’s not enough that manager Marc Lievremont has blasted his players, and the players ignore his every public word.

On the eve of the biggest game in their careers, centre Aurélien Rougerie blasted the press for their “bland” questions, prompting a group of journalists to walk out.

The French have been battered by questions regarding rifts in their squad and coach Lievremont’s frequent criticisms of their attitudes. Lievremont has also endured a tumultuous relationship with the media, calling the atmosphere at press conferences “detestable”.