Zidane makes no difference, says Platini

MICHEL PLATINI claims that the return of Claude Makelele, Zinedine Zidane and Lilian Thuram has done little to improve the French national team.

Les Bleus have yet to secure qualification to the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite being the joint leaders of Group 4, along with Switzerland, following their 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

The return of the influential trio since the friendly with Ivory Coast in August may have boosted the team’s morale but, according to Platini, they have not made the side any more competitive.