Pires: Patience and peace key for French

Robert Pires has hit back at France's critics, saying the team need time to rebuild and will never play with the same flair as Arsenal.

France face Cyprus in Nicosia tomorrow trying to get their World Cup campaign back on track after a series of disappointing displays. The 0-0 draw at home to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday left them third in Group Four and increased the pressure on coach Raymond Domenech.

But Pires said: "Leave us alone. Let us work in peace. We need to take the three points tomorrow and that is all that matters.

"We will never have the same fluidity in the French team that we have at Arsenal. We need to find a style which suits us. But I am convinced we can go far with this team."