By John Sinnott

Marlet is impressed with the French set-up

Steve Marlet believes coach Jacques Santini deserves a large share of the credit for turning around the fortunes of France's national team.

France's defence of their World Cup crown in 2002 ended in disaster as Roger Lemerre's side failed to qualify from the group stages.

Their poor displays in the Far East saw the French replace Lemerre with Santini and Les Bleus have never looked back.

France were the only side in Euro 2004 qualifying to have a 100% record.

Admittedly their group was not the most demanding opposition as Santini's team steamrollered Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia and Israel.

But France have also looked impressive in friendlies against some high quality opposition and only just failed to make it a record 15 wins in a row with the recent goalless draw with Euro 2004 rivals Holland in Rotterdam.

That run has given France hope Santini's team will successfully defend their European Championship crown.

Marlet is in no doubt that rich vein of form has had much to do with Santini's leadership skills.

Marlet, who is currently on loan at Marseille from Fulham, told BBC Sport: "The national team have done very well under Santini because he helped to restore our confidence, step by step, game by game."

The Marseille striker knows Santini well - Marlet played under the French coach when he was in charge of Lyon.

"He is very clever," said Marlet of Santini. "He knows the players well, he knows how to talk to them and he is like a father to us."