Anelka admits WC 'timebomb'

Anelka: Says squad were united

If it hadn't been me that brought everything to a head, it would have been someone else. It was a timebomb waiting to explode.

Nicolas Anelka
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Nicolas Anelka says the tension between the France squad and their coach at the World Cup was like a 'timebomb waiting to explode'.

The Chelsea frontman was sent home from the tournament following his bust-up with boss Raymond Domenech, which provoked the rest of the 23-man party to strike in support of the forward.

The disruption saw Les Bleus lose their final group game against South Africa 2-1, a defeat which ended their World Cup campaign.

The French media have suggested that some members of the squad were pressurised to participate in the strike, but 31-year-old Anelka is adamant the players were united in their revolt.

Explode

"If it hadn't been me that brought everything to a head, it would have been someone else. It was a timebomb waiting to explode," Anelka told France-Soir newspaper.

"Everyone, and I really mean everyone, was as one.

"In the case of mutiny, everything and its opposite was said. If there were players who wanted to train, they should speak now. But I am 100% certain that nobody will."

Les Bleus midfielder Jeremy Toulalan admitted on Sunday that the strike was a unanimous decision and that the whole squad should be punished, and Anelka praised the Lyon player's stance on the issue.

He added: "It takes a form of courage and a strong mentality from Jeremy to take it. I am proud to have played with him and the team of France. Jeremy is a players' player."

Anelka hit out at former France full-back Bixente Lizarazu, a World Cup winner in 1998, who has criticised the striker's casual attitude in South Africa, accusing him of "strolling" and playing "in a selfish manner".

Frustrated

"Lizarazu - who is he?" added Anelka.

"When he speaks and we listen, we seem to hear a living legend. He's just a former player in lack of recognition, frustrated by the success of his mates Zidane and Dugarry.

"Has he forgotten that he was at the 2002 World Cup? I was not included in the squad but I refrained from comment. He should stop talking about respect."