|
|
Raymond Domenech Will Lead France In South Africa – French FA Vice President
A poor qualifying campaign has not been enough to oust Domenech, who will take charge of les Bleus in the summer...
19-Nov-2009 9:01:05 PM
France may have qualified for the World Cup in controversial and wholly unconvincing style, but that will not stop Raymond Domenech leading them to South Africa in the summer.
Vice-president for the French FA (FFF) Noel Le Graet has confirmed the association’s intention to see out their promise of giving the unpopular trainer the opportunity to guide les Bleus to glory on the world stage.
Speaking to radio station RTL, he indicated, “There is no problem with Domenech. He will be maintained and I have great respect for him.
“He is courageous to lead this team in a difficult atmosphere, which he may be responsible for in terms of his communication. But he has put in place a strong staff and he loves his players.
“Obviously he will head the team of France in the World Cup, firstly because he has a contract and then because a coach who qualifies his team will obviously be on the bench in South Africa.”
This decision, though somewhat inevitable from the pro-Domenech FFF, will not have gone down well amongst supporters of the 1998 World Cup winners.
Les Bleus only limped to South Africa, courtesy of a 1-1 draw after extra-time against Ireland in midweek.
Interestingly, had France recorded a victory on Wednesday night, Domenech would have become the joint most successful coach of his nation in terms of matches won. Only Michel Hidalgo, who won 41 of his 75 games in charge, has claimed more triumphs than Domenech, who has succeeded in 40 of 72 games to date.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
Vice-president for the French FA (FFF) Noel Le Graet has confirmed the association’s intention to see out their promise of giving the unpopular trainer the opportunity to guide les Bleus to glory on the world stage.
Speaking to radio station RTL, he indicated, “There is no problem with Domenech. He will be maintained and I have great respect for him.
“He is courageous to lead this team in a difficult atmosphere, which he may be responsible for in terms of his communication. But he has put in place a strong staff and he loves his players.
“Obviously he will head the team of France in the World Cup, firstly because he has a contract and then because a coach who qualifies his team will obviously be on the bench in South Africa.”
This decision, though somewhat inevitable from the pro-Domenech FFF, will not have gone down well amongst supporters of the 1998 World Cup winners.
Les Bleus only limped to South Africa, courtesy of a 1-1 draw after extra-time against Ireland in midweek.
Interestingly, had France recorded a victory on Wednesday night, Domenech would have become the joint most successful coach of his nation in terms of matches won. Only Michel Hidalgo, who won 41 of his 75 games in charge, has claimed more triumphs than Domenech, who has succeeded in 40 of 72 games to date.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
Cartoon: Rio Ferdinand may have the last laugh
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
Euro 1996 Legends: Matthias Sammer, Germany
The heir to Franz Beckenbaur's throne, Sammer's excellent displays as sweeper for Germany led them to their third European title...
-
Euro 2012 Trivia: Which team has the fewest combined caps among them?
Which is the least experienced team in Euro 2012? Time to test your knowledge, mate
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation