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PARIS - Mercurial French fly-half Frederic Michalak was slammed by France manager Jo Maso on Thursday over his criticism of the team's coach Bernard Laporte and his tactics during their failed bid to win the World Cup.
Maso said that the comments made by Michalak to the press - where he said that Laporte's tactics were too predictable - were not in the spirit of the game.
"If certain players want to go and talk to the newspapers or television that is up to them," said 61-year-old Maso, who is set to carry on in his role for another four years.
"But it is not part of the spirit of the sport, to do it like that, like a sniper.
"The French team is a group of 30 players and not just Frederic Michalak.
"Beside him, there are another 29 guys, who all have one opinion. So we are not going to make too much of this."
Maso, who was a dashing centre for France in the 1970's and has been in the same post for three World Cups, reminded Michalak that he was not picture perfect in his own game, which saw him start just two games during the tournament, though he is set to partner Toulouse team-mate Jean-Baptiste Elissalde in the third place match on Friday.
"Frederic has his qualities, that is for sure," said Maso.
"But he must improve his kicking game, and he knows that.
"If he decides his kicking game is lacking, he can hire a specialist coach."
Michalak, who will play for South African side Natal Sharks next season, had finally spoken out on Wednesday over his relationship with Laporte, which had always seemed to be a bit superficial.
"(Laporte) is a coach, not a friend," said Michalak, who will win his 50th cap against Argentina.
"When you play rugby you are obliged to play the way the coach wants whether it pleases you or not.
"I don't always agree with what he says, but that's just the way it is."
- AFP
