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Ben Arfa – ‘Black Sheep’ To Be Culled?

12 years ago
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Following Didier Deschamps’ appointment as French national manager, ex-France full-back, Bixente Lizarazu, had this to say about how Deschamps will approach the job.

(Thanks as always to our overworked translator, Pierre)

Speaking to French website RMC Sport;

“The sheep will be well kept with him (Didier Deschamps), even if  I believe they will have to  sacrifice a few black sheep, or lost sheep….bad apples”.

The appointment of Didier Deschamps was unlikely to be music to Ben Arfa’s ears as they had notorious training ground bust-ups when he was Hatem’s manager at Marseille. Ben Arfa was signed for 13m Euros in 2008 with Deschamps becoming his manager a year later, the player ending up at Newcastle in 2010 while Deschamps remained manager.

At the time Deschamps had this to say;

“The talent is not enough at the top in football – there are other requirements, he (Ben Arfa) has to be aware of this as soon as possible.

There is an individual and then there is the group, then there is him towards the group, it changes daily, it is he who has the key”.

Back to the present day, speaking to RMC Sport, Deschamps declared

The concept of group and state of mind will be important. I fervently hope that they (the players) will respect that the concept of group and state of mind will be important. I am fairly demanding. If a player goes against that context, my role will be to punish, to select or not”.

“For them to understand that being a French international, it is fantastic and that even if this is the hundredth selection, it must be a privilege. The collective goal should be a priority. If their own individual goal is at the forefront, it is not possible “.

French FA President, Noël Le Graët,’has revealed that ‘DD’ will abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Committee made after July 27 (when the four offenders – Nasri, Menez, M’Vila and Ben Arfa will have their disciplinary hearing at the Federation).

Deschamps, “It will allow me to reflect. I will make choices“.

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