Domenech defends decision to send Anelka home
The players returned to training yesterday after they boycotted Sunday’s session in protest.
They were outraged at the Chelsea striker being banished by the French Football Federation after his row with Domenech became public knowledge.
Speaking ahead of the crucial Group A match against South Africa, he said: “The sanction is justified and I support the federation. Nobody should behave in such a way. High level sportsmen have to lead by example.”
Explaining why he had read out a statement last night on behalf of the players after they refused to train, Domenech said: “It was an aberration. We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.
“What I should have said at the end of the message was that I did not support this action.
“With the (FFF) president (Jean-Pierre Escalettes) and staff members we tried to convince them it was stupid. I disagreed with the document. What they were doing was unthinkable.
“We’ve wasted a lot of energy. There are no words to explain what has happened. I’m hoping we will now have action on the pitch rather than off it.”
France are in danger of making an early exit after taking one point from two games.
Domenech insists he will continue to run things his way even though today could be his last match in charge with Laurent Blanc set to take over.
He said: “I am responsible for the team and (tonight’s) game. I have always been in charge of the make-up of the team. That is not in dispute.
“Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match. It is up to the players to realise the magnitude of what they have done.
“They have to play their hearts out to show what they can do and I think they will be extremely motivated to win the game.
“People want performances not excuses. They have to show they love football and the French team.”
Meanwhile, French Sports minister Roselyne Bachelot last night rounded on France’s World Cup players and told them they had tarnished the image of the nation.
Acting on the instructions of France president Nicolas Sarkozy, Bachelot confronted the players and then held an impromptu media briefing at the Free Stadium.
She said: “I told the players they had tarnished the image of France. It is a morale disaster for French football. I told them they could no longer be heroes for our children. They have destroyed the dreams of their countrymen, their friends and supporters.”
Bachelot confirmed an official investigation would be conducted after the tournament and added: “The government has to intervene as the reputation at France is at stake in this case.”
The opposing camp is having its own internal strife with South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena forced to deny reports of dissent in the ranks ahead of tonight’s clash.
But Portsmouth defender Mokoena said: “Some people are so disappointed there have not been any problems in the group.
“The atmosphere is incredible. I am certainly not aware of any rifts.”
Bafana Bafana coach Parreira added: “We’ve never had any problems during the whole preparation.”
Parreira will make five changes to the side that lost to Uruguay, two of them enforced as Kagisho Dikgacoi and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune are both suspended.
Even a win for Bafana Bafana would not be enough if Mexico and Uruguay play out a draw.
Parreira is convinced the top two teams will play fair and said: “I’m sure the players will not make a deal and say let’s draw this game. Maybe one of the two teams do not want to play Argentina and, they will go for a win. So we will never know what’s going on in their minds.
“The reality is that is it out of our hands but that will not affect our motivation for the game.”
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