We're not immature brats, says Gallas
Tottenham defender William Gallas sprang to the defence of his France team-mates following harsh criticism from former France coach Raymond Domenech.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: February 16, 2011 10:05 PM IST
Tottenham defender William Gallas sprang to the defence of his France team-mates following harsh criticism from former France coach Raymond Domenech.
French players went on strike during the World Cup in South Africa last June, refusing to train one day after Nicolas Anelka had been sent home for insulting Domenech.
France suffered a disastrous tournament, failing to win a game and losing to both South Africa and Mexico, finishing bottom of their group.
Domenech was replaced after the tournament but this week claimed the players were "irresponsible little brats".
"I'm not answering his criticisms," said Gallas after Tottenham's 1-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League.
"I'd just say that before speaking he should look at himself a bit, that's all."
And Gallas refused to accept responsibility on behalf of the players for their behaviour which was viewed across the country as a humiliation.
"It's too easy to judge the players, given the staff he had, I can tell you that it was very difficult for us, that's what I can tell you," he told AFP.
"We were judged too easily, the blame was put on all the players, it's true that it was our decision to strike, but why?
"You should ask the right questions, why did we strike? I have nothing to reply, what I can say is that we're not immature brats, a long way from that."
However, he did admit that the players hadn't expected such a fall-out from their actions.
"In the moment we didn't think it would go that far."
Gallas has not been a part of the France squad since the World Cup but insisted he has not retired from international duty.