Domenech Stays On As France Coach

Domenech was widely expected to either resign or be sacked following a simply disastrous Euro 2008.

France crashed out in the first round after finishing bottom of Group C, accumulating just one point, scoring one goal, and conceding six in their three games.

Domenech has been heavily blamed for the country’s poor performance, with grievances raging from squad and team selection to poor tactics. The 56-year-old left David Trezeguet, Mathieu Flamini, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Philippe Mexes out of his 23-man squad, despite all five having superb club seasons.

He was also criticised for sticking with the old guard, and for repeatedly getting his tactics wrong, such as in the game against Romania when he employed two holding midfielders against a defensive Tricolorii outfit.

Domenech has a contract with France until 2010, and the French Federation’s President Jean-Pierre Escalettes has somewhat surprisingly announced that the coach will stay on in his job.

"Domenech remains, provided some things change," Escalates told Le Parisien.

There are three conditions that Domenech will have to comply with, and they are an improved and more expansive style of play, better organization and improved communication. The news of Domenech’s extended period in office will be announced officially on Thursday.

Anthony Sormani