Evra unconcerned by French tactics

(GSM) – France captain Patrice Evra insists there seems to be no problems with the team’s tactics following following heavy criticism of coach Raymond Domenech’s approach.

The 1998 winners started this year’s World Cup with a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Uruguay, struggling to create chances against their Group A opponents.

Domenech started with Thierry Henry and Florent Malouda on the bench, with the in-form Chelsea midfielder expressing his frustration after the match at only being used as a substitute.

But, ahead of Les Bleus’ second group game against Mexico on Thursday, full-back Evra does not believe the team’s approach requires a drastic overhaul.

“What would I change for the next game? Score a goal!” said Evra.

“We will keep going, create a lot of chances and be strong like we were in the first match, because I don’t think Uruguay caused a lot of problems for us.

“We need to create more chances to score goals. I think the tactics were okay for us.

“We talked with the boss before the game and we were very happy with these tactics. It is not the first time we’ve played like that. Maybe against Mexico we can change things around, we’ll see.

“Now, against Mexico, we need to win and we’ll see after that in the match against South Africa (what we need).”

From a personal point of view, Evra is enjoying the attacking responsibility a 4-3-3 system gives him at left-back.

Asked about his freedom to go forward, he said: “Before, a long time ago, I couldn’t. But now I’m very free because I’m very confident, and my team-mates are as well. They give me the ball.

“I think against Uruguay I played forward a lot.”