Just a couple of weeks after France’s national team goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi went public with her disagreements with France coach Corinne Diacre, Jean-Pierre Thiesset describes another incendiary TV interview, this time given by France’s captain Amandine Henry on Sunday where more of the problems inside the French camp came to light.
During her interview given to “Canal Football Club” on Sunday, Amandine Henry, the France team captain, spoke bluntly about her relations with Corinne Diacre, France’s team coach and spoke out about the problems inside the team.
The following is a translation of a part of her interview without any change.
About her non-selection for the last France national matches:
“When she (Corinne Diacre) called me, I said to myself, ‘the coach made choices, it is normal’. The call lasted 15 seconds, I will remember it all my life. Instantly, I was shocked. I was speechless.”
“This discussion hurts me; it will stay engraved in my heart. I was feeling very well. I went to my coaches, they told me I was playing well. I questioned myself. I could have accepted it, but it was beyond a sporting (performance) matter.”
About the problems in the French team:
“There are a lot of problems. As captain, it is important to wear the armband. But when it is necessary to speak up and put your fist on the table, you have to do it also.”
“I would rather think that I never react in a hot manner. I was shocked (by being dropped). I was obliged to question myself. It is the qualifications for the European Championships. I should not be selfish, the group have to stay concentrated.”
“After the World Cup, the coach wanted to do individual interviews. The World Cup was hard. There were girls that cried in their room. It happened to me that I cried in my room. It was the atmosphere, the management, the global ambiance which was there that was wrong. Trust is the basis of any relationship.”
About the future:
“I would like to think that we can put everything on and win the Euros. With the qualities that we have, France must win a title. We have a golden generation. I know that I have taken a risk, but I can’t look at myself in the mirror (if I don’t say this). If I do not say it, who will?”
In two days time – this Thursday, Corinne Diacre is due to announce her list of players for France’s next European Championship qualification matches. We will see if Amandine Henry is sanctioned for speaking up against the head coach.
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