Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has
hit back at France coach Raymond Domenech in their row over Thierry
Henry.
Henry's season has been ended prematurely because of groin and
stomach injuries, and Wenger pinned the blame on France for
over-working the striker.
Domenech said he was 'seriously tired out' by the Gunners boss on
Thursday, but Wenger has responded by claiming the France coach is
the only national team boss never to contact him.
Wenger is refusing to back down on his feelings towards national
team call-ups, and specifically insignificant friendly
matches.
"It is not unreasonable that I play Henry after a match with the
French team," he told L'Equipe.
"Thierry Henry is a player being very well paid by his club. If the
French Federation paid Henry, I would then ask Domenech's
opinion.
"Do I have to set the working programme of a player to match with
the French team's dates? Anyway, we often gave him some rest.
"My feeling is it's just crazy, and when I speak up against the use
of players during friendlies, I believe I am within my
rights.
"The latest example is the friendly against Argentina. Was it
essential to play Henry for 90 minutes, while we have a crazy
period of matches with Arsenal?
"The real problem is the lack of communication. The national coach
never calls me.
"He draws on clubs that make the players improve, and he looks down
on the clubs, without paying any attention.
"Is it too much to have a phone call to get news about a player we
see every day? If there was that behaviour there would be no
problem.
"The other national coaches contact me, we talk. The only one who
never calls is Domenech."