France players rally behind Santini

France players have given their backing to Jacques Santini’s decision to join Tottenham after Euro 2004.

Santini’s move came following the France Football Federation’s reluctance to extend his contract beyond this summer’s tournament – despite taking Les Bleus to Portugal on the back of a 100% qualification record.

Spurs had been linked with former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri before they secured the services of Santini in a move that came as a surprise to many.

However, defender Willy Sagnol revealed the news did not shock many within the squad.

“We all found out on the pitch, just before training, and as far as I am concerned, I am not surprised,” he said.

“The discussions with the FFF about his contract extension were just dragging on and I think he was right to make that choice.”

The FFF were eager to avoid the situation which occurred following the 2002 World Cup, when Roger Lemerre was sacked following France’s disastrous display.

Lemerre had extended his contract before the start of the tournament, meaning the FFF were forced to pay out hefty compensation following his exit.

Sagnol added: “In England they did not hesitate to extend Sven-Goran Eriksson’s contract before the European Championships.

“They were not bothered by the possible financial compensations they would have to give him in case of a premature departure.”

However, Sagnol believes Santini’s decision was also prompted by a desire to return to club management.

He added in L’Equipe: “I don’t think that his contract with the FFF is the only reason.

“He is a former professional player who needs to be close to the pitch and the players, which is not the case when you lead a national team.

“Coaching a club suits him more. If he had to wait until the end of June he maybe would not have found a club and would have had to wait a full season for another coach to get sacked.”

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet believes ending the debate about Santini’s future will allow the coach to fully focus on leading France to the title they won four years ago.

He said: “Santini said to us that he was faithful to what he believed in by joining Tottenham and that he would always speak to us in case of a big news - that’s what he did.”

Coupet, who played under Santini at Lyon, added: “This will enable him to go through Euro 2004 with a certain serenity and this will not disturb us.

“He has signed with a great club and this will bring him a lot personally. Now the FFF directors can start to prepare his succession.”