Gallas blames Domenech for WC debacle

Paris: Arsenal defender William Gallas says outgoing France coach Raymond Domenech is principally to blame for the team's World Cup debacle in South Africa.

In an interview with weekly magazine Les Inrockuptibles, Gallas says "if there was a fiasco, there are reasons" and that "the real problem is the coach."

Gallas was also furious with Domenech for handing the captain's armband to Patrice Evra prior to a World Cup warmup match against Costa Rica.

Gallas says Domenech used the cutting words "in any case, you won't be a good captain" when he made his decision.

Domenech has been replaced as France coach by former defender Laurent Blanc.