French football supremo Noel Le Graet was roundly blamed for the departure of Laurent Blanc by Sunday's French newspapers.
Le Parisien did not mince its words, headlining its article: "Hopeless!"
"The French football team cannot help itself. In crisis for the past four years, not only in sporting terms but also its image, which it lets slide wherever it lands, it has sunk even lower after the spectacular departure of Laurent Blanc," the paper said.
Le Journal du Dimanche, meanwhile, claimed Le Graet deliberately attached conditions to the new contract that he knew Blanc would not accept.
"Even if his (Blanc) credit had been eroded during a Euro where some egos had got ahead of the squad's needs and brought into question his authority, Blanc had more supporters than detractors," the weekly said.
French headcoach Laurent Blanc speaks during a press conference in Donetsk on June 20, 2012, during the Euro 2012 football championships. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE