|
|
England need to watch out for France's young players at Euro 2012 - Gerard Houllier
The former Aston Villa manager expects a draw when the two sides meet in Poland & Ukraine, and is also backing Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League
19 Dec 2011 17:17:00
By Joe Doyle
Getty Images
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier says England should be wary of France's young players at Euro 2012, with the sides set to meet in their opening game of next summer's tournament.
Houllier believes that French manager Laurent Blanc faced a difficult task when taking charge of the side following their dismal World Cup showing in South Africa last year, but the team has progressed well since his appointment.
"Laurent inherited a team in a tricky situation because he had to do without some players due to the penalties and sanctions after the World Cup," he said.
"The progress is one, the results, because they qualified directly for the European Championship. Two is building a new team, so he has to make a combination between experienced players and the younger ones."
Houllier also noted the players England need to look out for at the competition in Poland & Ukraine.
"The young French players that they may not know, but should be looking out for, include Loic Remy, who plays for Marseille.
"He started at Lyon, went to Nice and is now at Marseille. He is quick and can be a handful.
"Probably Kevin Gameiro, who plays for Paris [Saint-Germain]. He is a goalscorer and is quick as well. In midfield, Moussa Sissoko from Toulouse.
"I don't know whether Blanc will take Rafael Varane, but he is a young centre-back who plays for Real Madrid."
The 64-year-old stated that whilst he expects the match between the two sides to end equal, both teams should progress from the group stages, but will need to navigate difficult games against Sweden and hosts Ukraine.
"It's the first match, so I think it will be a draw. It will be very hard and competitive, but I think it will be a draw.
"The French fans, like the English ones, expect to go through. It's not the most difficult group, but we didn't have a difficult group in the World Cup either, so we have to be careful.
"Playing Ukraine will be tricky because they are the hosts, and you never know about Sweden, who qualified for the finals from a very tough group."
Houllier is a former technical director at Clairefontaine, the infamous French youth academy, and revealed what contributes to a successful academy system.
"To be successful in the development of young professionals, there are five criteria: one - Get the best talent, so scouting is important.
"Two - Have your own proper facilities - pitches, physios and so on. Don't share with professionals. Three - Have a coach who is a specialist, and someone who knows how to deal with youth players.
"Four - Have the right programme. The way you deal with players aged 15-17 is not the same as for the players aged 18-20, so you have to have a programme that is age-appropriate.
"Five - To play on a regular basis. If you are just on the bench it can be prejudicial to your development.
"Before the age of 16, the emphasis is on skills, technique and team work. At the age of 17 you start to do more tactical and physical work because the body is developing as well."
The Frenchman also commented on the progress of his former club Liverpool this year, and stated that they could reach the top four and secure a Champions League place at the end of the season.
"Kenny [Dalglish] is doing a good job. He is trying to change the team, and this is a transitional season.
"I don't mean they won't reach the top four - they could do that. When Steven Gerrard comes back they will be even better, they will get their leader and an exceptional player back.
"They are making good progress and have been a bit unlucky at times. Decisions have gone against them and there have been games they have dominated but didn't score. At the moment they could do with five or six more points.
"[They won't challenge for the league title] this season, but they have made the right choices regarding players, so as they gel, next season should be better. It's a bit like Manchester City, who are far better this season than last.
"You have to remember this is Andy Carroll's first full season with Liverpool, but I think the next three months will be crucial for him.
"When a club has a culture and a philosophy of winning silverware, that is what everybody aims for. There is no question of being happy with anything else. It's a good pressure because players arrive at the club knowing they are expected to perform and to win."
Houllier maintains he wants to remain in football, but first needs to concentrate on his wellbeing following his exit from Aston Villa due to health problems.
"First I need to get my health back, and I'm on the way to recovery. I'm doing some TV work that I'm quite happy with."
For more insight from Gerard Houllier and other leading managers plus exclusive Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.25 | Draw £65.00 | Estonia £170.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.40 | Draw £60.00 | Estonia £120.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.43 | Draw £70.00 | Estonia £170.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.30 | Draw £80.00 | Estonia £210.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.00 | Draw £85.00 | Estonia £138.00 |
|
Houllier believes that French manager Laurent Blanc faced a difficult task when taking charge of the side following their dismal World Cup showing in South Africa last year, but the team has progressed well since his appointment.
"Laurent inherited a team in a tricky situation because he had to do without some players due to the penalties and sanctions after the World Cup," he said.
"The progress is one, the results, because they qualified directly for the European Championship. Two is building a new team, so he has to make a combination between experienced players and the younger ones."
Houllier also noted the players England need to look out for at the competition in Poland & Ukraine.
"The young French players that they may not know, but should be looking out for, include Loic Remy, who plays for Marseille.
"He started at Lyon, went to Nice and is now at Marseille. He is quick and can be a handful.
"Probably Kevin Gameiro, who plays for Paris [Saint-Germain]. He is a goalscorer and is quick as well. In midfield, Moussa Sissoko from Toulouse.
"I don't know whether Blanc will take Rafael Varane, but he is a young centre-back who plays for Real Madrid."
The 64-year-old stated that whilst he expects the match between the two sides to end equal, both teams should progress from the group stages, but will need to navigate difficult games against Sweden and hosts Ukraine.
"It's the first match, so I think it will be a draw. It will be very hard and competitive, but I think it will be a draw.
"The French fans, like the English ones, expect to go through. It's not the most difficult group, but we didn't have a difficult group in the World Cup either, so we have to be careful.
"Playing Ukraine will be tricky because they are the hosts, and you never know about Sweden, who qualified for the finals from a very tough group."
Houllier is a former technical director at Clairefontaine, the infamous French youth academy, and revealed what contributes to a successful academy system.
"To be successful in the development of young professionals, there are five criteria: one - Get the best talent, so scouting is important.
"Two - Have your own proper facilities - pitches, physios and so on. Don't share with professionals. Three - Have a coach who is a specialist, and someone who knows how to deal with youth players.
"Four - Have the right programme. The way you deal with players aged 15-17 is not the same as for the players aged 18-20, so you have to have a programme that is age-appropriate.
"Five - To play on a regular basis. If you are just on the bench it can be prejudicial to your development.
"Before the age of 16, the emphasis is on skills, technique and team work. At the age of 17 you start to do more tactical and physical work because the body is developing as well."
The Frenchman also commented on the progress of his former club Liverpool this year, and stated that they could reach the top four and secure a Champions League place at the end of the season.
"Kenny [Dalglish] is doing a good job. He is trying to change the team, and this is a transitional season.
"I don't mean they won't reach the top four - they could do that. When Steven Gerrard comes back they will be even better, they will get their leader and an exceptional player back.
"They are making good progress and have been a bit unlucky at times. Decisions have gone against them and there have been games they have dominated but didn't score. At the moment they could do with five or six more points.
"[They won't challenge for the league title] this season, but they have made the right choices regarding players, so as they gel, next season should be better. It's a bit like Manchester City, who are far better this season than last.
"You have to remember this is Andy Carroll's first full season with Liverpool, but I think the next three months will be crucial for him.
"When a club has a culture and a philosophy of winning silverware, that is what everybody aims for. There is no question of being happy with anything else. It's a good pressure because players arrive at the club knowing they are expected to perform and to win."
Houllier maintains he wants to remain in football, but first needs to concentrate on his wellbeing following his exit from Aston Villa due to health problems.
"First I need to get my health back, and I'm on the way to recovery. I'm doing some TV work that I'm quite happy with."
For more insight from Gerard Houllier and other leading managers plus exclusive Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Make Your Prediction
France - Estonia
France
Estonia
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
France 3-0 Estonia
- 20.14 %
-
France 2-0 Estonia
- 16.47 %
-
France 4-0 Estonia
- 11.95 %
14:09 BST -
One of my favourite parts of tournaments like these is seeing someone come out of nowhere to make an impact on the international scene. Juventus' Emanuele Giaccherini is hoping to be one of those having been a surprise, uncapped inclusion in the Italy squad - and good luck to him!
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
-
The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
