In the French Rugby World Cup squad, Coach Marc Lievremont has instigated further turmoil, labeling some players as “spoiled brats” after they disobeyed his orders by going out to celebrate their narrow semi-final victory over Wales.
On Saturday night, France managed to secure a 9-8 victory against a Welsh team down to 14 men, making it to their first World Cup final since 1999, the year Lievremont was part of the squad as a player.
Lievremont expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I went to bed in a bad mood because I’d asked the players not to go out, and I found out a few of them had gone out.”
On Sunday morning, he convened a meeting to confront the players about their night of revelry, sternly informing them that they had disappointed him.
“I told them what I thought of them,” he confessed.
“I described them as a bunch of undisciplined, spoiled brats—disobedient, at times selfish, perpetually complaining, always whining, and they’ve frustrated me for four years.
“It seems to be our way of functioning… I also told them I care for them deeply, but it’s unfortunate they don’t know how to take care of themselves.”
Lievremont feels compelled to caution his players against excessive celebration.
He recalls the 1999 team, which spent most of the week reveling in their stunning 43-31 comeback semi-final win over New Zealand, leading to inadequate preparation for the final, resulting in a heavy loss to Australia.
“We’re not world champions, we’re simply in the final, that’s all. I lived through this in 1999… why does my reaction surprise you? I’m taken aback that it does,” he noted.
“In ’99, we celebrated our semi-final win for four days. We didn’t prepare properly, and I want to avoid repeating the same mistake.”
Lievremont has previously expressed tough criticism toward his players during this World Cup.
He chastised them for their apathetic attitude in the opening pool match against Japan, and again after the loss to Tonga in the final pool game.
Tensions remain between Lievremont and certain members of the French press, with the players reportedly laughing at some headlines concerning the team.
However, he seemed annoyed when questioned about France’s performance against Wales, where they played with an advantage of an extra man for over 60 minutes yet failed to score a try.
“I rewatched it early this morning, and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it,” Lievremont said with a wry smile upon being asked if he viewed a video replay of the semi-final.
by Buford Balony