Domenech supports Zidane's no-show
France coach Raymond Domenech has defended the decision of suspended pair Zinedine Zidane and Eric Abidal not to watch the 2-0 Group G victory over Togo from the bench or the stands.
Asked to explain the decision of the two players to stay in the dressing room at the Mungersdorf Stadium in Cologne during the match yesterday, Domenech was fully supportive.
“Eric Abidal and Zinedine Zidane did notwant to be in the stand which I imagine was to avoid giving the impression that the match was not being played on the field,” said Domenech today as he reflected on the match which saw Les Bleus book a last-16 match with Spain.
“I also understand why they did not want to watch it from the bench. When you sit on the edge of the pitch unable to do anything it’s terrible.
“The best place for them to watch the match was the dressing room. They played a full part before the match, at half-time and at the end.
“They endured it with everyone. It was worse for them than anyone.”
Man of the match Patrick Vieira revealed after last night’s match that Zidane who, like Vieira celebrated his birthday yesterday, had given the team a pep-talk before the game.
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