Coach gave us the keys, says France's Sagnol

HAMELIN, Germany, July 7 (Reuters) France coach Raymond Domenech told his players to find the solution to their problems and the result is a place in the World Cup final, defender Willy Sagnol said today.

''Pretty much so,'' Sagnol told reporters when asked whether self-management was what had inspired the 1998 champions' amazing resurgence in the tournament.

''We were lucky enough to have a coach who placed us in front of our responsibilities and gave us the keys,'' the reliable right back added.

The discussions, Sagnol said, took place following dismal draws against Switzerland and South Korea in their first two games and the prospect of another early exit after they were eliminated in 2002 without a win or a goal in the group stage.

''Together with the coach, we talked and we found the right formula, the solution to our problems'', the Bayern Munich player said.

A 2-0 win over Togo followed, sending France through to the knockout stage.

''That was important because the ghosts of 2002 were laid to rest,'' said Sagnol.

After that win everything clicked and Domenech's team recaptured the form that once made them the ultimate winning machine as they brushed aside Spain, Brazil and Portugal on their way to Sunday's final against Italy.

''The solution was that all the players had to give it their very best in the team's interest,'' added Sagnol, who is perfectly aware that internal squabbling and oversized egos had marred France's runs at previous tournaments.

''There was a good atmosphere in the team from the start here and we were eventually able to translate that on to the pitch.

Solidarity and mutual respect are values you must not forget when it comes to football,'' he said.

The French players and coach needed also to agree on a tactical system and they went for the defensive approach that has been their trademark in the last few outings.

''We all agreed that we needed to be competitive defensively and everybody has accepted that,'' said Sagnol.

''It is remarkable to see players like Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane participate in the defensive duties the way they do.

''Titi (Henry) could not do that all the time because it demands a lot of effort but he's doing it beautifully here. I hope he gets the reward he deserves.''

REUTERS

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