"They're old; they're tired; and they've got too much money," said Jo-jo, airing the common complaint that the team of stars has been lured astray by the temptations of Mammon.
Greg agreed. "We have the top goal-scorers in the British league, in the French league and in the Italian league. And yet we couldn't score a single goal. Why is that? Because there's too much money and too much advertising," he said.
There has been much muttering about how Le Boeuf and some of the others have been more prominent in pre-match TV ads than on the actual pitch. Zidane is still, however, above criticism.
Glory days gone
"It's very sad - getting knockcd out in the opening round when we are world champions. But they didn't play football. They didn't run for the ball.
"They had no passion. We've got to change and get in some younger players. Like Jibril Cisse - but they brought him on far too late," said Dede.
"I'll tell you the one single thing that this team has been lacking from the very start," chipped in barman Pierre. "La niaque."
This is French argot, meaning an overwhelming desire to win.
France's glory days are over - the days of World Cup 98 and Europe 2000 are just memories now. But in Le Cadran the reaction was philosophical.
"It was the chronicle of a defeat foretold," said a businessman, taking his leave.
"Nothing lasts forever," said Dede. "Not in sport, and not in anything. It's all a big cycle. We couldn't always be on top. We've got to let the other countries have their turn."
"Look no-one's crying," said Jo-jo. "But yes, I will have another drink, thank you."