Coach Raymond Domenech said he felt sorry for the France [Images] players after he was booed by the fans during the 2-1 victory over Hungary in a friendly on Tuesday.

Domenech was also verbally abused by the Metz crowd for his treatment of their former player Robert Pires, who has not appeared for the national team since the World Cup qualifying win over Cyprus in October.

Banners asked for the Arsenal [Images] midfielder to be recalled to the squad and for Domenech's removal.

"I really felt sorry for the players who were on the pitch," Domenech told a news conference. "I can understand that people don't agree with my choices but the problem is that I'm the one in charge.

"If it was just about me, I wouldn't have made any comments about this.

"It's not the first time that I was booed on a pitch...I'm used to it. But I'm sad for my guys.

GREAT JOB

"Asking for another guy to play when the team is doing a great job, it's humiliating. It's a lack of respect for those who are struggling for the win."

One of the banners read: "Pires in the national squad, Domenech out".

Another claimed: "Domenech, tonight it's our whole region which hates you", while a third said: "Pires we are missing you".

France clinched their first home success since Domenech took over from Jacques Santini in July 2004.

The coach said the door was still open to everyone and denied he had ruled Pires out for good.

"I pick my squad according to the performance of the players with their clubs," said Domenech.

"My first intention remains to qualify France for next year's World Cup and nothing else."

Pires made his professional debut at Metz in 1992 and spent six seasons with the eastern club before joining Olympique Marseille in 1998.

He showed his frustration after Domenech replaced him during the game with Cyprus in Nicosia, criticising the coach's strategies.

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