A former player of the French team has criticized the methods of a well-known consultant.
Although the consulting profession has evolved considerably over the past two decades, certain media stars are renowned for their uncompromising comments. Jean-Michel Larqué has long cultivated this image of an uncompromising commentator. The former Stéphanois was the voice of TF1 when he formed his famous duo with Thierry Roland. By his severity, Larqué contrasted with the franchouillard tone of his late partner.
Former French international, Djibril Cissé has repeatedly told an anecdote which says a lot about the impact that certain comments can have on professional footballers and their families. Two decades ago, the former striker was stacking his pieces in the jersey of AJ Auxerre. Twice top scorer in Ligue 1 with AJA (2002, 2004), Cissé established himself as one of the most prolific goleadors in the French championship. This did not prevent him from receiving some harsh words from Jean-Michel Larqué.
Words that hurt
Djibril Cissé recalled in his book “My life as a footballer” a humiliating criticism of Jean-Michel Larqué towards him. Larqué said the following words before the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea: “In this France team, I don’t understand the presence of certain players. Djibril Cissé, even in a six-a-side tournament, I don’t take him in my team”.
The ex-scorer had already told this anecdote on the set of La ChaĂ®ne L’Équipe, where he serves as a columnist. When LarquĂ©, who had left TF1 to join RMC, made this comment, Djibril CissĂ© was sitting on a bus with his teammates from the France team. The ex-Auxerrois, who crossed the line and became a consultant in his turn, recalls the particular importance he places on never publicly humiliating a player with harsh terms.
