Wenger: The problem is with the players

Arsène Wenger has blamed France's dismal performance at the World Cup on the players in the squad.

Much of the blame has fallen on highly unpopular former manager Raymond Domenech, but Wenger believes the French coach had a difficult job working with an unprofessional group of players.

From what he saw from some individuals' behaviour at this World Cup, the Arsenal manager is concerned about the future of the international game.

He said: "We saw how it is difficult for national team players to live together.

"I have players in a lot of different teams and the echoes are all the same: 'There is a new problem: how can we spend 40 days all together...'

"The players entered an era of distant communication thanks to the internet or phones, but they don't talk any more together.

"It is the coach's duty to unravel trouble, but without the players' participation, you can't do anything. That is why a group needs strong leaders.

"My anger is growing with each day that passes by, which should not be the case. How can a group reach that point? All year long the players are talking about the World Cup.

"How then, two days before a key match, can we reach extreme acts for such laughable reasons [solidarity to Anelka's ban]? It will remain forever a mystery to me. The group has become completely mad, forgetting the objective.

"Anyway, there is no possible working without authority. It is better a bad boss than no boss. We have to set back that culture in the French team, and send a strong message to the future players, that it should never happen anymore."

Wenger also blamed the decision to announce that Laurent Blanc would be set to take over as manager, before the World Cup had even begun.

He said: "Before the World Cup I said: 'Having a coach reaching the end of his contract is putting a thorn in his finger'.

"You don't have anymore authority. The players know they will not need you any more later."

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