Malouda hits out at Domenech

Chelsea winger unhappy with France coach

Last updated: 3rd September 2008

Florent Malouda France

Malouda: Unhappy

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Florent Malouda believes Raymond Domenech made him the scapegoat for France's disappointing performances at Euro 2008.

The Chelsea winger was criticised in the French media after two quiet displays and was then left out of the defeat to Italy which saw Les Bleus eliminated from the tournament.

Malouda insists that he had been asked to operate in a more defensive role by Domenech and should have been given more support.

"At the Euros I played as the coach asked me to play," Malouda told L'Equipe.

"What disappointed me is that he has not spoken on the subject. There was a speech given in private but not in public."

Targeted

Malouda feels that Domenech bowed to public pressure, adding: "I was targeted. Before Italy I think he followed public opinion at the time to change the team."

Malouda endured a frustrating first season at Chelsea ahead of Euro 2008 but he attributes his form in Austria and Switzerland to Domenech's tactics.

"I did not have the same freedom (as other players)," he said.

"I had to be the link between the forward players and the rest of the team.

"This isn't something that made me happy but I did it because I was asked."

Malouda, who has been included in the France squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Serbia, maintains that he does not have a problem with Domenech.

He said: "I believe in the coach's method. About his technical qualities, I have full trust. I have just been disappointed with other things."