Domenech is Not France’s Only Problem…
Regardless of how France got to the World Cup and whether they deserve to be there, the reality is that this summer, Les Bleus will be in South Africa with Raymond Domenech as their coach. I’m not really interested in revisiting Henry’s goal or the resulting fallout from that, as its been covered very well by Laurie, Jeff, and Daryl.

Instead, I’d like to discuss more practical matters. With the amount of talent France has, there is no fathomable reason that they should be completely outclassed by a weaker Irish side, and yet it did happen. Twice. And it’s not just the Irish – so many times this year, France have looked lost at sea against opponents that aren’t anywhere in their league.
Domenech carries much of the blame, but the problem is more significant than that. His sense of tactical strategy may be on par with his sense of tact, but even bad game plans ought to carried out with enthusiasm by the players. While the Irish were playing like they actually cared, France didn’t give a shit. If I hadn’t known better, I’d think I was watching the 65+ Sunday league. It might be Domenech’s duty to come up with working tactics and to motivate his players (though one would think that international players would be motivated enough on their own), but once the boys are on the pitch, it’s out of Domemech’s hands. So what gives? Why couldn’t France even match 10% of Ireland’s passion?
Another thing is – and please tell me if I’m imagining it – have the players gotten worse? Each game seems to bring France to a new low. It’s been pointed out that 20 of the 24 players on France’s squad are playing in this year’s Champions League. And yet the skills and abilities they showed on the pitch wouldn’t be acceptable in the French third division. The players couldn’t maintain possession, couldn’t string two passes together, couldn’t take decent corners or freekicks, couldn’t aim, couldn’t win aerial balls, couldn’t tackle properly, weren’t able to communicate with their teammates, and had no sense of on-the-pitch strategy.
You can’t blame Domenech for the half-assery we saw from the players last Wednesday. After all, these are good players. We’ve seen them play in the past, both for club and country. We know their actual capabilities. And for the most part, Domenech is picking the squad we more or less want. Perhaps his substitutions were suspect, but if players like Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Yoann Gourcuff couldn’t break through the Irish defense after 90 minutes, how much of a difference would Karim Benzema have made? No, France had more than enough quality to take care of an upstart Irish team, yet the players totally botched it.

So while I do think that Domemech bears part of the blame, I’m also extremely angry with the players. It’s sad that over two games, only Hugo Lloris and Nicolas Anelka looked like they deserved to be there. Everyone else was an embarrassment. I guess there is definitely something to be said for not having a wallet that is so fat that you lose the hunger you had to get you there.
Unfortunately, just like we’re stuck with Domenech as our coach until the WC, we’re also forced to contend with these players. Both parties must take responsibility for the weight of expectations they agreed to bear in order to represent France. I don’t want to watch Les Bleus go to South Africa and go through another humiliating group stage exit.
So we need to start thinking about the feasible changes that need to be made. Maybe it’s time to drop Gignac. I for one think that Evra isn’t the answer to our left back woes. Perhaps Henry and Anelka need to stop being played on the wings.
Though the most important question is…just who is the best partner for Gallas?
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http://france.worldcupblog.org/euro-2008/domenech-is-not-frances-only-problem.html philip
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Mark
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http://france.theoffside.com/ Thomas
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jeff
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http://ghana.worldcupblog.org Inara
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Jao
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http://ghana.worldcupblog.org Inara
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GFC
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Doumé
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http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie
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http://ghana.worldcupblog.org Inara
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Benj
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http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie
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Adam
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Foreverzidane
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sandrahn
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Fabrice
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Jean-Francois
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sandrahn
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Nick
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Steven
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sandrahn
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lefutur
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Steven
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Terry from Naples fl
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Paul
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Earthwire
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Foreverzidane
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spanishBunt
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Fabrice
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hawk
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Foreverzidane
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sandrahn
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spanishbunt
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Foreverzidane
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Steven
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spanishbunt
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sharkattack
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Terry from Naples fl
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Terry from Naples fl
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Foreverzidane
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spanishbunt
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Foreverzidane
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eduardo
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Sarah
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Foreverzidane
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dulakris

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