TIGNES, FRANCE // The France players, whose popularity has reached a depressing low after a string of dismal displays, gathered in the French Alps this week in search of a team spirit that might help them win back the hearts of their fans. There is little to suggest the former world and European champions, who have been booed by their own supporters in recent outings, can make an impact at the World Cup.
However, since arriving in the resort of Tignes on Tuesday, the players have all been saying that they could feel the group uniting and believed France's true potential would show in South Africa. "We practically have the best players in the world at every position," Patrice Evra, the team's left-back, told reporters at their base in the snow-capped peaks. "That does not make us the best team in the world, not yet anyway, and we have work to do to become that but we're going to the World Cup to win."
Jeers rang from the Stade de France stands after France controversially qualified through a play-off at the expense of Ireland in November - thanks to William Gallas's goal after Thierry Henry had handled the ball - and then again when they were outclassed 2-0 by European champions Spain in a March friendly. Bacary Sagna, the Arsenal right-back, said he could understand the fans' frustration, but felt they still stood behind the team.
"We were rubbish against Ireland and Spain, that's true," he said. "We have weaknesses, we realise that, but we also have strengths. I understand the supporters and I don't believe they don't love us any more. We want to win for ourselves but also for them." Raymond Domenech, the coach, who was surprisingly left in charge after his side's embarrassing early exit from Euro 2008, is even less popular than his players but, according to Sagna, that is not a problem. "The answer must come from us, the players," he said. "The coach and the staff are there to help but it's up to us to work hard to go all the way."
The mood in the France camp at Euro 2008, with a reported rift between the youngsters and the more experienced players in the squad, was named as one of the reasons for the side's failure to get out of their group. According to Cedric Carrasso, the reserve goalkeeper, however, that has changed, and the squad are united ahead of their Group A challenge against the hosts, Uruguay and Mexico. "We're starting that great adventure with a real team spirit," he said. "I'm really surprised because I can feel people are trying to get to know each other and looking for a rich relationship."
"I think we can use criticism to bounce back," said Sagna. "We all need to push in the same direction and I feel that's what we are doing today." Meanwhile, Lassana Diarra has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a stomach complaint. The Real Madrid midfielder missed all of yesterday's training session. He also did not train on Thursday and Friday in Tignes. Francois Manardo, the team press officer, said "medical tests have revealed an unforeseeable illness which justifies a rest period".
Domenech has not yet called up a replacement. * Reuters