Sagnol: France need winning mentality

22 August 2012 15:29

Willy Sagnol has put France's disappointing performances at big tournaments in recent years down to the lack of a winning mentality.

France were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals at Euro 2012, while they failed to survive the group stage at the 2010 World Cup amid player unrest, and the former full-back feels cultural issues are one of the reasons behind their early exits.

"We need winners. That is what is lacking in French culture generally, and it's not easy to develop," Sagnol told France Football.

"While you can improve a player's technical ability and help him evolve, it is hard to change the mentality.

"Once they are in a high-level structure, that must be mandatory. It must have the same importance as technical education."

Sagnol made over 50 international appearances for France between 2000 and 2008.