France Team Refuses to Train

June 20th, 2010 | by: Daryl |

This is part of our series on World Cup controversy

evra To put it tactfully, France’s World Cup campaign is not going well. First there was the 0-0 draw with Urguguay, then the 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Then there was Nicolas Anelka, who reportedly told coach Raymond Domenech to do something both rude and impossible. Anelka was sent home from South Africa without supper. Then captain Patrice Evra said there was a “traitor” in camp, which is how the Anelka story escaped from the four walls of the dressing room. Today the whole team is reportedly refusing to train following an argument between Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne (which makes me suspect Duverne may be Evra’s “traitor”). Icing on the disaster cake is that team director Jean-Louis Valentin has quit:

“It’s a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It’s a scandal for the federation and the French team,” Valentin said. “They don’t want to train. It’s unacceptable.

“As for me, it’s over. I’m leaving the federation. I’m sickened and disgusted,”

So yeah, not good. Especially with a must win – and must win big – game against hosts South Africa coming on Tuesday. My guess is that most France fans will be glad to say goodnight to World Cup 2010 and finally kick RayRay Domenech out the door, before starting fresh with a new coach the morning after. Which is probably what they should have done after Euro 2008.

UPDATE: Here’s video of Evra’s altercation (that’s the grown up term, right) with Duverne:

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ThierryH

Domenech 's got his vengeance. He had destroyed all the team and the team spirit. He will give to Blanc a ruin.
Bense235

It's nothing new the French rather like to be on strike than work…
http://twitter.com/EdgarBoccanegra Edgar Boccanegra

This storm was just waiting to happen.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Gerardo-Cardenas/100000454023733 Gerardo Cardenas

“Traitors,” refusing to do work, bad coaching, and childish altercations.. it's high school all over again.
Baron_Rojo_NY

Refusing to train .. they've just hit rock-bottom. What a bunch of quitters. They deserved it. Ireland would've done a better job. What comes around goes around.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/WSG5MFNWCXAXDLW5U2T432LJGA Phil

I don't ever want to see Malouda, Ribery, Gallas, Abidal, or even Evra again. Evra failure to lead the team has made him the figurehead of this complete disgrace of a team and should never be heard from again outside of England. Lloris and Toulalan are the only ones worth their salt. Gourcuff didn't do anything wrong but he's damaged beyond repair, he can never play for France again either. Reinstate Henry as captain for the last match, play all the home-based subs, leave those overpaid bums on the bench. Gignac, Valbuena, and Revelliere may not have the talent those others have but at least they'll appreciate the honor. The Blanc era cannot start soon enough.