PARIS - Temperamental French striker Nicolas Anelka insisted yesterday that he has a better relationship with France coach Raymond Domenech than any of his predecessors.
PARIS - Temperamental French striker Nicolas Anelka insisted yesterday that he has a better relationship with France coach Raymond Domenech than any of his predecessors.
"Despite what people say, it's with Domenech that I have the best relationship," the 30-year-old Chelsea striker told the newspaper 20 Minutesyesterday.
"I've never been able to talk with a coach like that. Before, there was (Jacques) Santini, it was impossible to talk to him. (Roger) Lemerre, the same. (Aime) Jacquet, that's it. Also impossible."
Domenech, who led France to the final of the 2006 World Cup, has failed to win over the French public during his combative tenure, and has also proved less than popular with some of his team.
"Today (Domenech) is unpopular. Like Aime Jacquet in his time," said Anelka of 1998 World Cup-winning coach Jacquet.
"You just have to be patient, strong mentally, and he's patient. Maybe in six months he will be the 'boss' and no one can insult him."
Anelka agreed that the French team felt they lacked the support of their public. "That's why we're always in a rage," he said. - Sapa-AFP
Anelka can talk to Domenech
PARIS - Temperamental French striker Nicolas Anelka insisted yesterday that he has a better relationship with France coach Raymond Domenech than any of his predecessors.
PARIS - Temperamental French striker Nicolas Anelka insisted yesterday that he has a better relationship with France coach Raymond Domenech than any of his predecessors.
"Despite what people say, it's with Domenech that I have the best relationship," the 30-year-old Chelsea striker told the newspaper 20 Minutesyesterday.
"I've never been able to talk with a coach like that. Before, there was (Jacques) Santini, it was impossible to talk to him. (Roger) Lemerre, the same. (Aime) Jacquet, that's it. Also impossible."
Domenech, who led France to the final of the 2006 World Cup, has failed to win over the French public during his combative tenure, and has also proved less than popular with some of his team.
"Today (Domenech) is unpopular. Like Aime Jacquet in his time," said Anelka of 1998 World Cup-winning coach Jacquet.
"You just have to be patient, strong mentally, and he's patient. Maybe in six months he will be the 'boss' and no one can insult him."
Anelka agreed that the French team felt they lacked the support of their public. "That's why we're always in a rage," he said. - Sapa-AFP