Dacourt hints at Leeds exit

Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt has admitted he could leave Elland Road unless he is able work his way into Terry Venables’ plans.

Dacourt, linked with a move to Lazio last season, has started only four out of the last nine games under the new Leeds coach.

The Frenchman said: “I feel fine in Leeds but it is true that if I am not rated, anything is possible.

“Since I was called up by (France coach) Jacques Santini last week I have not played at all with Leeds. Usually I play regularly.

“We’ve changed managers and we’ve just come out of three beautiful seasons, but now we are suffering a sudden break and we were recently thrashed by Arsenal.

“Regarding my relationship with Venables, I don’t want to comment on that. The only thing I can say is that I don’t know if I am part of his plans.”

Leeds and Lazio agreed a fee – reportedly around £15million – for Dacourt in March, according to the Italians.

Juventus were also linked with the 28-year-old while the Yorkshire club were keen to cash in on some of their playing talent.

Dacourt responded to the talk by signing a new contract which ties him to Leeds until 2006.

He said: “I never said that I wanted to leave the club last season, The club had financial problems and needed money – which I can understand.

“However I am very happy in Leeds, that is why I extended my contract last campaign.

“But every time there is a transfer window I am announced everywhere in Europe.”

While Dacourt has struggled to impress Venables since the former England boss took over from the sacked David O’Leary in July, he is glad of the respite offered by Les Bleus.

The midfielder is currently with the French squad preparing for their Euro 2004 qualifiers against Slovenia and Malta after his first international call-up for 16 months.

“This selection with the French team is a real breath of fresh air for me,” he said.

“I kept believing I would be back with the national team but I did not want to focus on it.”

And in stark contrast to his situation at Elland Road, he seems to have found favour with Santini, who took over from Roger Lemerre following the World Cup.

“Now there is a new coach who brought his own ideas and brought new players for a fresh start, that’s good,” he said.