Dugarry slams Domenech methods

Pa
Monday 05 October 2009 15:01 BST
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Domenech has come in for some criticism of late
Domenech has come in for some criticism of late (REUTERS)

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Christophe Dugarry has launched a scathing attack on Raymond Domenech, accusing the France coach of having "done everything the wrong way" during his time at the helm.

Domenech has come in for strong criticism during Les Bleus' ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign, which has been marred by a surprise loss to Austria and unconvincing wins over the Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

The French have only an outside chance of pipping Group Seven leaders Serbia, whom they trail by four points, to the automatic qualification spot, while Domenech's men are still not assured of the play-off place that comes with finishing in second place, with Austria four points behind with two games to play.

The pressure has eased on the coach following last month's battling 1-1 draw in Serbia, but former France international Dugarry, a World Cup winner with Les Bleus in 1998, feels Domenech's reign has been a major disappointment.

"If we hadn't kept him on, we would only be asking ourselves one question now: how are we going to win the World Cup?" Dugarry told Le Parisien.

"Because of him, we are asking ourselves something else: how are we going to get to South Africa?

"It's sad. If I was in the place of Domenech, I would have done exactly the opposite of everything he's done since the beginning.

"He's done everything the wrong way."

Despite guiding the French to the final of the 2006 World Cup, where his side lost on penalties to Italy, 57-year-old Domenech's reputation hit rock-bottom just two years later when their Euro 2008 campaign ended in the group stage after failing to win a game.

He was nevertheless retained by the French Football Federation despite calls for his dismissal, and Domenech can ensure another stay of execution on Saturday should his side secure a play-off spot with an expected home win over the Faroe Islands.

France's qualifying campaign comes to a close against Austria at Stade de France four days later.

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