Source: Team_Talk
Striking squad was united - Anelka
France striker Nicolas Anelka insists everyone in their World Cup squad was united in their revolt against Raymond Domenech.[LNB] The rest of the 23-man party opted to strike in support of Anelka after the Chelsea frontman was sent home following a bust-up with Domenech.[LNB]The disruption saw Les Bleus lose their final group game 2-1 to South Africa and exit the tournament at the group stage.[LNB]Reports in the French media have suggested some members of the squad had been coerced into taking part in the strike, but Anelka says that was not the case.[LNB]"Everyone and I mean everyone was united," the 31-year-old told France Soir newspaper.[LNB]"In the case of mutiny, everything and its opposite was said. If there were players who wanted to train, they should speak now. But I am 100% certain that nobody will.[LNB]He added: "If it was not from me that everything was precipitated, this would have happened with someone else. It had to explode."[LNB]Jeremy Toulalan on Sunday accepted the whole squad should be punished for boycotting training, telling Journal du Dimanche: "I'm not proud of what I did but I accept responsibility.[LNB]"There were no ringleaders and no slaves, no good guys and no bad guys. We were all involved and we are all responsible because nobody said a word (against the boycott). Whoever says otherwise is a liar."[LNB]Anelka appreciates the Lyon midfielder's stance.[LNB]"It takes a form of courage and a strong mentality from Jeremy to take it. I am proud to have played with him and the team of France. Jeremy is a players' player."[LNB]The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward was not so complimentary about former France full-back Bixente Lizarazu, however.[LNB]Lizarazu, a World Cup winner with Les Bleus in 1998, has criticised Anelka's casual attitude in South Africa, accusing the forward of "strolling" and playing "in a selfish manner".[LNB]Anelka responded by sarcastically asking: "Lizarazu - who is he?[LNB]"When he speaks and we listen, we seem to hear a living legend. He's just a former player in lack of recognition, frustrated by the success of his mates Zidane and Dugarry.[LNB]"Has he forgotten that he was at the 2002 World Cup? I was not included in the squad but I refrained from comment. He should stop talking about respect."
