France president slams team

Les Bleus went into EURO 2012 in confident mood under then coach Laurent Blanc, with the infighting which marred the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign seemingly a thing of the past.

But France was held to a draw by England and beaten by Sweden in Group D, leaving it to face eventual champion Spain in the quarter-finals, and that was as far as its campaign went after another lacklustre performance.

Blanc subsequently departed his post and new coach Didier Deschamps begins his tenure with four of his highest-profile players - Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa, Jeremy Menez and Yann M'Vila - facing disciplinary proceedings from the French Football Federation for various alleged indiscretions at the tournament.

Hollande was struck by the contrast between the French side and the togetherness of its illustrious Spain counterpart.

In comments reported by L'Equipe, he said: "It's not a money problem, the Spanish are at least as well paid, and yet they are together. Spain is not doing well economically, but the results of their national team makes them feel good.

"It's not a problem of integration but of respect.

"When you wear the jersey of the France team, you have to give your best. Look at these soldiers who marched."