Blues Manager Ancelotti Blasts FFF For Anelka’s Unfair Treatment
Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti, while speaking in a pre match press conference told reporters that he thought that the French Football Federation had not been fair on their decision on striker Nicolas Anelka and that an 18 match international ban was ridiculous.
Nicholas Anelka was handed down the 18 match ban after the disastrous World Cup campaign. Not only did France not qualify beyond the group stages, they failed to win a single game and during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico Anelka allegedly had a row with Coach Raymond Domenech, which ended with Anelka being sent home early.
This resulted in a mass strike by the French team, who refused to show up for practice unless the striker was returned. This display by the French national team caused uproar and upon their return the FFF called a disciplinary hearing, where Anelka refused to show up.
Other players who received bans include Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan. They were also accused of having played important roles in the coup d’état, however, Anelka got the worst of it. The FFF seemed intent on making an example out of the Blues striker, who has earned himself the name “Le Sulk” throughout his career.
Anelka’s response to the ban was somewhat comical. The proud Frenchman claimed that he had already retired from international football and had no intention of playing for the national team again. He said the FFF were “a bunch of clowns” and that he was dying of laughter over the 18 match ban.
Ancelotti told reporters, “Nicolas has reacted very well and I think it's unfair for him because 18 games is too much. I don't know what happened there but I'm sure Anelka is an honest man and didn't deserve this decision. He has never given me any problems. Never.”
However, the Italian manager could not help but be pleased at the decision. He said, “After this news I am happy for myself, because it means he can stay here to train during the international break. For him it is not good news because every player wants to play in the national team but he accepts it well, with a good spirit.”
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