France midfielder Samir Nasri wants national coach Laurent Blanc to talk to him face-to-face rather than make remarks about him to the press, the Manchester City star told France Football in an interview that will appear on Tuesday.
At a press conference on Aug. 10, Blanc offered journalists a frank opinion on how Nasri had been performing for the France team.
“He must do better because he has the ability to do better,” Blanc said. “I expect more from him. We have shown great confidence in him, and he must return that confidence.”
Nasri, who is with the France squad for this week’s Euro 2012 qualifiers, said Blanc should have kept his thoughts for a private discussion rather than a public airing.
“You could say that he rates me, but saying this in public is not going to help things improve,” said Nasri, who was a controversial omission by then-coach Raymond Domenech from the squad for last year’s World Cup finals, though the reason given was for his poor attitude.
Blanc, meanwhile, denied that he had been playing games with either Nasri or Bayern midfielder Franck Ribery, who has been the subject of similar comments.
“I am not playing with anyone, but I say this because I love them and appreciate them a lot,” Blanc said. “Our job is to tell them because they are so close to us. When you love someone or appreciate them, you have to tell him the truth and what you really think. It is especially important not to play games with him.”
France, who are currently one point clear of Belarus at the top of Group D, face Albania in Tirana on tomorrow and Romania in Bucharest four days later.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely