You sort of feel bad for Domenech; I mean, look at him. He looks like a kicked puppy, all droopy-eyed and floppy-like. And he looked like that even before he oversaw one of the worst French tournament campaigns of all time.
There is yet to be found a columnist who hasn’t criticized Domenech for his choices during the run-up to the European Championships, never mind the substitutions and tactical faux-pas’.
However, it seems like the only people who think that he deserves to stick around are the people who are influential in him staying in the first place.
French captain Patrick Vieira and playmaker Franck Ribery have pledged their support to the hapless Domenech. But why? Let’s break down some of Domenech’s genius over the past few months.
First, let’s start with his team selections. The fact that Bakary Sagna was not called up to the national team—replaced instead by the very old, very slow, and very finished Willy Sagnol—was a shock to not only Arsenal fans but to everybody else who gave a damn as well.
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This is a perfect example of Domenech’s blind reliance on the old guard of French national players. But that’s exactly what the French side ended being; old.
Lilian Thuram has 35 years on him now. And he’s not Italian. Ergo, he’s just not fit to start for the national side. Case in point: his torrid performances for Barcelona this season. He’s looked old and tired for months, not just during Euro 2008.
And when he reportedly asked Domenech not to play him after the first couple of group stage games (in which he played poorly)… is that an action of a professional player representing their country?
Jeremy Toulalon… my lord, what was Domenech thinking? What do you think Flamini was thinking when he found out that he was being dropped in lieu of a grey-haired half-competent Toulalon?
The ultimate display of idiocy was Domenech’s display during the must-win fixture against Italy. He is 1-0 down and he takes off Nasri—with Ribery injured, one of the only attacking players on the field—for a defender (not just any defender, Jean-Alain "how is this guy ever become a professional" Boumsong).
I mean… that’s the kind of decision that gets you fired. No?
The French Football Federation has said that in two days it will make its decision on the fate of Raymond Domenech. And all I can say is that after watching last month’s theatrics, I have never seen a manager more out to lunch.
FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, I ask you on behalf of any football fan who can’t stand to watch terrible football: just fire the man. For our sake.
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6 months ago
great article... you mentioned a few of the players he never called up, the one that stood out the most for me was Phillipe Mexes... WOW, how do you leave a player like that at home, or worse still... TrezeGOL... he lead Serie A in scoring????
So true, what an idiot move, taking off Nasri, after only playing him for what 15 mins? thats gonna be great for the kids confidence
Not a fan of the french. but am a fan of football... and your right this guy needs to boot, put him on the chopping block!
from 6 months ago
You're right on both counts, although the way I've seen Trezegol play for France over the past year or so, I'm not surprised he got the drop. I'm more surprised to see Cisse dropped after he found his form again this past season.
But you're right, Mexes would be the obvious inclusion if it weren't for Thuram. And where was Ben Arfa? The list goes on and on.
from 6 months ago
Mexes missed out through injury I believe but he should have been an automatic starter if he was fit.
6 months ago
He's got to go after a campaign like that. To be honest it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise seeing as how they struggled in qualifying - home and away defeats to Scotland outlined their complete lack of creativity when it comes to breaking down a team defending with 11 men behind the ball.
If the FFF don't think that Domenech is the man to semi-rebuild (and I say "semi" as there are still a lot of good players not yet too old to work with) then they must get rid of him. I can only assume they are waiting to see who they might get to replace him. After all it's not worth getting rid of him if you really can't get anyone better.
For me the rigidity of the 4-2-3-1 formation was the problem. Two defensive midfielders rarely straying over the halfway line or playing more than a 20yard pass? If you're not employin *very* adventurous full-backs, a la Brazil, then this only ever leaves you 4 players to attack with - really not good enough. Toulalan was as much a problem as Makelele so it's a bit harsh to single out one without mentioning the other.
6 months ago
I am a Big fan of France and the French team in particular....Bashing the French is ridiculous stupid and mean... By the past they were awesome team ever since the Platini era....Under Zidane they beat everybody...the choice the display of players on the pitch...of Domenech was awfull ...Mexes Flamini Ben Arfa and many others have so much talent...
Enzo Argentina
from 6 months ago
I don't think anybody was 'bashing the French' Enzo, but if a team has so much history, and so much talent like you say, then scoring one goal and finishing last in their Euro group is shameful. I think we're only criticizing the team that was on the pitch, and mostly the coach even then.
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