DONETSK: Tensions are creeping into the French camp at the European Championship, with the players involved in a ‘heated’ bust-up following the team’s 2-0 loss to Sweden.
France, which was hit by internal strife at the 2010 World Cup, capitulated against the Swedes on Tuesday and would have lost more heavily if goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had not made several saves.
Although the defeat did not prevent France from advancing to a quarterfinal against Spain, the manner of it exasperated coach Laurent Blanc and senior players like Florent Malouda.
“Yes, it got a bit heated, but then everyone had a cold shower,” Blanc said on Wednesday. “It shows that there was a bit of electricity. I hope there will be against Spain, because we’ll need it.”
Malouda chose not to speak to the media after the defeat as he was afraid of what he might say. He is France’s most experienced player and was part of the World Cup squad that shocked a nation by going on strike at training two years ago after Nicolas Anelka was sent home.
“What I saw (against Sweden) awoke some demons in me and I didn’t want to express myself,” Malouda said. “Because in the heat of the moment there was the risk of launching rockets and missiles. There are some things to sort out and sometimes you can really hurt someone with a comment that you make.”
But with tempers frayed and pride dented after a shambolic performance against a Sweden team with nothing to play for, some of the players could no longer hold back when they got to the sanctuary of the dressing room.
Center half Laurent Koscielny confirmed that an argument took place. “We were below par,” Koscielny said. “When we got back to the dressing room we knew we hadn’t performed as we should have done and some things were said … things that will stay between us.” (Agencies)