Pires fuming at new France coach

14 April 2012

Robert Pires is deeply upset with France coach Raymond Domenech after he was not told face-to-face he was being substituted at half-time during the win over Cyprus.

The new coach waited until the players were returning to the field to announce the change but said it was not a sanction against the Arsenal winger.

Domenech said: "I know that Robert was very disappointed but I used to be disappointed myself when I was replaced. But I can assure you there is not a Domenech-Pires affair." The coach had earlier upset Pires by claiming he was the type of player "who needs pressure" to perform.

The pair may have a chance to resolve their differences over a mince pie as Domenech is considering inviting his players for a day in London around Christmas.

He said: "We are thinking about organising a meeting during the winter break. Why not a day in London?"

Pires will play in tomorrow's game with Aston Villa at Highbury - unlike Fredrik Ljungberg, Jermaine Pennant and Gael Clichy.

Ljungberg has a hamstring injury, Clichy an ankle problem and Pennant had a knock on his knee. With Brazilian Edu ruled out because of his late return from international duty and his compatriot Gilberto Silva injured, manager Arsene Wenger is not spoiled for choice.

Wenger said: "This will be a tricky match. Aston Villa have good young players and are well-organised.

"You may think everyone is talking about Old Trafford and a 50th game but not everyone is doing that.

"Also, we have just had the interruption for the internationals and we want to come back straight away to our game. There is always that question mark when you have a break."

Wenger revealed that the saga of the new contract to keep him at Arsenal until 2008 will soon come to an end - possibly next week - and that contract talks with Lauren and Sol Campbell are "making progress".

Wenger also told French TV that Manchester United are unlikely to recover the golden years of their treble in 1999.

He said: "The question is, 'Are they going to be as good as the previous generation?' And I am not so convinced by that."

Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is likely to be without Juan Pablo Angel, Nolberto Solano and Ulises de la Cruz after a gruelling trip back from action in South America.

O'Leary will hope striker Carlton Cole has recovered from the ankle injury which prevented him from joining the England Under-21s.

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