Malouda criticises Domenech for Euro role
Chelsea’s Florent Malouda has expressed his disappointment in the way he was handled by coach Raymond Domenech at Euro 2008.
The 28-year-old faced stern criticism from the media and public after his performances in Austria and Switzerland, with France dumped out at the first-round stage.
“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.”
Malouda was left out of the team for France’s third game, the 2-0 defeat by Italy which saw Les Bleus eliminated from the tournament.
But Malouda accused Domenech of bowing to public pressure.
“I was targeted,” he said. “Before Italy I think he followed public opinion at the time to change the team.”
Malouda’s poor showing at the Euros came after a disappointing debut season with Chelsea.
But he attributed his form to Domenech’s tactics, saying: “I did not have the same freedom (as other players).
“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 is part of the France squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Austria and Serbia.
