France coach bored by club v country row

PARIS, Oct 16 (Reuters) France coach Raymond Domenech said today he was tired of having to answer criticism from club coaches unhappy with the demands of the national team.

''I would like to close this debate, which is unproductive, pointless and stupid,'' Domenech said in a video interview posted on the French football federation's website.

''It's not the France team who are making all the fuss, it's the French and foreign coaches who always find that there's too much international football,'' said Domenech, who has been criticised notably by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson of Manchester United and Olympique Lyon's Gerard Houllier in recent months.

''I'm tired of having to justify myself to those who are always complaining,'' he added. ''Endangering the France team is a serious matter.

''From now on I will not answer any criticism, any questions about this. If they (the coaches) want to change the calendar, they can do it. I agree with all those who say there should be further discussions about the calendar.'' Reuters AY VV2157