French coach Raymond Domenech, who is facing a players revolt and may have to pick a team without some of his big names, has labeled his stars "imbeciles" before their do-or-die clash with South Africa.
French players had revolted since Nicolas Anelka was sent home for blasting Domenech during half time of the disastrous 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
Even if they beat South Africa today, France could be packing their bags.
The players went on strike on Sunday after the French Federation axed Anelka, The Sun reports.
Domenech said that he had told his men their action "was an aberration, an imbecility, a stupidity without name."
"I haven't picked the team yet. I will pick the players who are mentally and physically in the best shape to win the game. The sanction against Anelka is justified and I support the Federation. Nobody should behave in such a way," he said."
Domenech also explained why he read out a statement on behalf of the players after they went on strike.
He said: "It was an aberration. We had to do something. The French people had a right to know. What I should have said was I did not support this action. We tried to convince them it was stupid.
"Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match. They have to play their hearts out. They have to show they love football and the French team."
