France Send Nicolas Anelka Home Over Outburst at Coach Raymond Domenech
By Ty Duffy
Anelka, whose nickname is “The Incredible Sulk,” reportedly told Domenech: “Go f–k yourself. You dirty son of a bitch.” He was grinning at the end of the match, after France lost 2-0 to Mexico without mustering a shot on target.
Not to defend Anelka, but, judging from the play on the field, he verbally expressed the sentiment many others felt. The dislike of Domenech is shared by France’s “Golden Generation” who called for his ouster after the Euro 2008 debacle in favor of Didier Deschamps. Zidane did not mince words with his criticism of Domenech’s tactics against Mexico.
"“The coach made the decision but I don’t agree with it,” said Zidane. “France did not play well, but they were against a very good team. Mexico were superior to France especially physically.” “I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal and that should be the least to be expected.”"
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