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Domenech’s 30 Players

   

Hot off the press. It’s been trimmed down from the 55 player pre-list, and another seven will eventually be dropped to make the final 23. Who do you think will be cut?

As most of us expected, David Trezeguet isn’t included. However, St. Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who’s never been capped (has he even been called up before?) is among the lucky 30. I’m thinking this is Domenech’s way of saying “F*ck you” to Trezeguet.

Gardiens de But:
Grégory COUPET (Lyon)
Sébastien FREY (Fiorentina)
Mickaël LANDREAU (PSG)
Stève MANDANDA (Marseille)

Défenseurs:
Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone)
Jean-Alain BOUMSONG (Lyon)
François CLERC (Lyon)
Julien ESCUDE (Séville)
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United)
William GALLAS (Arsenal)
Philippe MEXES (Roma)
Willy SAGNOL (Bayern Münich)
Sébastien SQUILLACI (Lyon)
Lilian THURAM (Barcelone)

Milieux de Terrain:
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux)
Lassana DIARRA (Portsmouth)
Mathieu FLAMINI (Arsenal)
Claude MAKELELE (Chelsea)
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon)
Patrick VIEIRA (Inter)

Attaquants:
Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea)
Hatem BEN-ARFA (Lyon)
Karim BENZEMA (Lyon)
Djibril CISSE (Marseille)
Bafetimbi GOMIS (St. Etienne)
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon)
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone)
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea)
Samir NASRI (Marseille)
Franck RIBERY (Bayern Munich)


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  • http://senegal.worldcupblog.org Magnusson

    The only reason Domenech took Gomis is to make him play against Ecuador on the 27th and make sure he’s tied to the french NT. He did it with Lassana Diarra before. If Gomis accepts then, he won’t come to Algeria and play the WC qualifier with Senegal

  • j

    domenech is such a fool, I doubt he even watches Serie A. How can Frey, who is arguably one of the best goalies in the world behind Buffon, Julio Cesar and Cech, be THIRD KEEPER for France?!?

    whatever Im cheering for italy anyways so better for them to have coupet or whoever france uses in net

  • Michel-olivier

    i think like players of ethnic african origin
    than players who have french west-indian(Guadeloupe and Martinique) and french(mainland) origin. im not discrimating or anything.
    he left out Jimmy Briand, David Trezeguet, Frédéric Piquionne, Mikaël Silvestre, Sylvain Wiltord, Jérémy Menez, Mathieu Bodmer, Manuel Vallaurio and he take uncap and over rated players like Bafetimbi GOMIS, Stève MANDANDA, Sidney GOVOU, and Lassana DIARRA.
    i hope the lose every match at euro

  • Michel-olivier

    i think he like players of ethnic african origin
    than players who have french west-indian(Guadeloupe and Martinique) and french(mainland) origin. im not discrimating or anything.
    he left out Jimmy Briand, David Trezeguet, Frédéric Piquionne, Mikaël Silvestre, Sylvain Wiltord, Jérémy Menez, Mathieu Bodmer, Manuel Vallaurio and he take uncap and over rated players like Bafetimbi GOMIS, Stève MANDANDA, Sidney GOVOU, and Lassana DIARRA.
    i hope the lose every match at euro

  • Jean-Michel

    I’m not sure I understand your comment about the FWI vs. Africa Michel- Olivier. I actually thought Escude was still injured so good for him on the selection.I still don’t think Malouda, Nasri, Gomis, and Ben Arfa should have been picked ahead of Trez but Domenech still has the firepower he needs with the steady Anelka, Henry, and Benzema selection. One would argue Malouda and Ben Arfa are more versatile to Domenech in that they can rotate around the wing and attacking positions. Cisse was a bigger gamble I thought which makes me wonder where does Trez rank amongst all French forwards available?

  • http://senegal.worldcupblog.org Magnusson

    Is manuel Vallaurio monaco’s fifth keeper?
    michel olivier, i’m sorry but what yopu just wrote sounds racist to me.

  • tomasz

    Shame that Clichy didn’t make it, but with such a competition for a left back spot it wasn’t easy. Lack of Trez isn’t a surprise, Domenech still has plenty of talent to choose from. My bets for the unlucky seven are Mandanda, Boumsong,Escude, A.Diarra, Gomis, Cisse and Flamini. One of Sagnol-Clerc pair may also be under threat if L.Diarra is to play a right back.

  • Brandon

    Im also a little down that Clichy wasn’t included. I also really hope Domenech isn’t planning on playing L Diarra at right back for the Euro, the competition would be too fierce for him I feel. I would like to give Cisse another chance at international competition, at least feel him out over the course of the friendlies, still have a soft spot for him after that China friendly before WC06.

    One thing I’ll add that alot of people can agree with – Im stoked to see Benzema at these finals, he’s gonna light it up for sure.

  • princedesparcs

    I’m also puzzled by and tired of the xenophobic argument. Does it help you, Michel-Olivier, that more than one-third of the provisional squad plays in Ligue 1? While Domenech can frustrate, his picks can also be attributed to how much deep talent France has available. Which, to my chagrin, helped leave out B. Sagna and Clichy, two of the Prem’s best backs. (Although why pick all three of Boumsong, Squillaci and Mexes?) But I’m glad that Flamini – despite his traitorous move away from the Arse – is in the squad, at least for now. If Domenech can instill cohesiveness, and they score goals, they should get to the final at least.

  • http://scotland.worldcupblog.org Ian Rose

    What an odd roster – a 30-man list, and there’s only room for 6 midfielders? It does seem like one of those ten strikers has to go, and Gomis is the one that sticks out. France has a ridiculous amount of attacking talent right now, from the experienced right down to the young ones.

  • http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

    Ian, France uses an odd classification system, where anyone who usually goes on the attack is considered an “attaquant.” The midfield is only the players who could play in central mid, like Makelele and Vieira. Players who would play left- and right- mid in 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 (the likeliest formations), like Ribery and Malouda, are considered attackers, as are straight-out strikers like Benzema and Henry.

  • http://ghana.worldcupblog.org Inara

    Ian, some of those attaquants are attacking midfielders, but the FFF lists them as “offensive players.” Ribery, Nasri, Ben Arfa are technically midfielders.

    I think these players will eventually be dropped: Mandanda, Squillaci, Boumsong, Flamini, Gomis, and perhaps Ben Arfa.

    If Escude doesn’t look good (he was injured recently), he’ll be replaced with either Squillaci or Boumsong. Ben Arfa is a good joker to have, but if he’s to be included, that means that Domenech will be left with only four DMs, and I don’t think is heart could take that.

  • Michel-Olivier

    the best squad for the euro should been like this
    COUPET
    FREY
    LANDREAU
    -
    ABIDAL
    CLERC
    ESCUDE
    EVRA
    GALLAS
    MEXES
    SQUILLACI
    THURAM
    -
    FLAMINI
    MAKELELE
    TOULALAN
    VIEIRA
    Bodmer
    -
    BEN-ARFA
    MALOUDA
    NASRI
    RIBERY
    -
    Benzema
    Henri
    Trezeguet
    -On standby
    briand
    Menez
    clichy
    anelka

  • http://ghana.worldcupblog.org Inara

    Interestingly, when asked about the strong Lyon representation (8 current players and 3 recently ex-players in Malouda, Abidal, and A. Diarra), Domenech said that for him Lyon is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and that other French clubs and players should take their example…

    Quick, David, get a transfer to Lyon before June 1st!

  • http://www.wickeddeflection.com Jeff

    No Clichy, but there’s room for Boumsong! I haven’t been watching Lyon this season, so maybe Boumsong has rediscovered his best form, but I’m still stuck with the images of some of his Newcastle performances – shocking stuff.

    I’m disappointed that there’s no Clichy, but left back should be Evra’s position. The Evra situation reminds me of Ribery before the 2006 World Cup – it was obvious to everyone well before Domenech figured out that the player should be a lock in the first 11. We’ll especially need Evra in there on the left if Domenech persists with the lethargic Malouda.

    I wouldn’t be surprised to see Flamini make the cut at Alou Diarra’s expense.

  • Jean-Michel

    And/or quietly retire from international play David @ Inara’s comment. I think the FFF is happy with Domenech’s work and if he leads the squad to a semi or final appearance then they will keep him till 2010. If Domenech’s around Trez should just content himself with the work he’s doing @ Juventus and go out as France’s 3rd all time leading goal scorer…for now.

  • matt

    hilarious that cisse makes it and the trez is screwed again. domenech is a douche.

  • Eric

    I like trezeguet but his performance in the match against england was terrible. He was no where to be found and was not effective. If he can’t work with the team why should he go? He is ood for juventus but if he is not good for france then what does it matter? Anyways happy to see this list and most of the players I wanted are there. I am upset there is no clichy or rothen but oh well. My gues for the final squad:
    Goal-Grégory COUPET
    Sébastien FREY
    Mickaël LANDREAU
    Defense-Eric ABIDAL
    Julien ESCUDE
    Jean-Alain BOUMSONG
    François CLERC
    Jean-Alain BOUMSONG
    William GALLAS
    Philippe MEXES
    Willy SAGNOL
    Lilian THURAM
    Midfield- Mathieu FLAMINI
    Claude MAKELELE
    Jérémy TOULALAN
    Patrick VIEIRA
    Florent MALOUDA
    Samir NASRI
    Franck RIBERY
    Offense-Nicolas ANELKA
    Hatem BEN-ARFA
    Karim BENZEM
    Sidney GOVOU
    Thierry HENRY

  • http://senegal.worldcupblog.org Magnusson

    I think Mandanda, Escude, Squillacci, Alou diarra, Mathieu flamini, benarfa and gomis will leave clairefontaine. Some players like Boumsong and Cissé are sure bets.

  • outa control

    I think this coach is an a$$, seriously, i dont care what anyone thinks about trez, i think he should have been in the squad before cisse atleast, can any one tell me what trez is missing, or better yet what is he not doing right.b sagna should have been included as well as clichy but but its understandable for sagna’s injury and for clichy, evra is at top form i would select clichy before abidal any day, but may be thats because i like arsenal.
    Eric, how can you base you judgment about trez on only i friendly? can u explain that to me.

  • jeff

    The England friendly was only the most-recent of Trezeguet’s shocking performances for France. The kindest verdict I’ve heard for Trezeguet’s recent run of France performances is that the system doesn’t fit his talents; an analysis not at odds with the assessment that it looks like France are playing with 10 men whenever he’s on the pitch.

    I, too, would select Clichy ahead of Abidal any day, and I also agree that Evra’s in top form. Evra’s form is so good that I think Domenech might realize he’s a good choice for the first 11.

  • Seb

    I actually wrote a much, much longer riposte tonight in comparison to the one I’m about to write here, but I’m too disappointed, not to mention shocked somewhat, at this to regurgitate what I’ve already written. All I will say though is I hope that Monsieurs Trezeguet, Mexès (I know he’s included but he’s been slighted as well), Clichy and Sagna are more than hungry come World Cup qualifiers.

  • Leger

    C’est une grosse erreur que sagna et clichy ne figurent sur cette preliste.
    c’est bien dommage mais bon avec Domenech faut bien s’attende a ce genre de suprise.

  • Michel-olivier

    sagna(banana heard) is injured his not match fit.even if he goes he wouldn’t play a game just like chimbonda doing the WC.
    i would take clerc and lasagna diara as back up.
    sagnol haven’t play that much for munich this season he should be drop.

  • Jean-Michel

    Michel-Olivier,

    You’re probably one of those closet racist types that was over joyed when France won the 98 wc and 2000 ec. There was diversity then just as there is today. All that makes you is a hypocrite and racist for following the French team so closely.

  • Michel-Olivier

    Jean-Michel
    im not a racist cause i don’t believe in evolution. race is made by theorists. im catholic and i believe in the bible, and the bible say god divided people by tongues, families, tribal/clan, nations, and lands rather than races. read Genesis 10:5,20,31/Revelation 7:9/Acts 17:26. so how can i be racist if i don’t believe in race.
    all im saying is the french NT lack of players who are from the french culture. Dutch team have players who have different skin color however all the players have dutch names, and they have dutch culture and countries(suriname, aruba, dutch antilles, belgium) of origin that have dutch culture.

  • http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

    I’m almost glad that Trezeguet wasn’t included in the list of thirty, because you know that he’d be one of those dropped for the final list. And that would be almost a worse insult

  • Eric

    Outacontrol, I like trezeguet but he is no longer good for the team. Its time to move on. He has clearly shown that he is not willing to put the effort in trying to play with the team. If he can find goals for juventus why can’t he for France? France has enough talent to win the Euro without him. I for one am statisfied with this thirty with a few exceptions, and I am sure the right 23 will be selected. Cheer up guys we have the talent and the determination to win. This will be our Euro.

  • outa control

    Eric i got the point you trying to make, the reason am pissied off is i dont think the coack left him out because of talent or lack of eforts on trez’s side, i think the reason is personal, and i will give u my reasons,1. france as a team did not perform very well in the match against england or against spain,(am using these games because they are fairly recent), 2.with the strikers selected which one of them can you say have been superb for the french side lately, 3.which one them did better than trez club wise?, 4. is he he too old? i know i sound like a trez groupie which is super “homo” but i think he deserve a spot in the team.
    If its true that they have personal issues i think one of them

  • sandrahn

    I just don’t get the continuing reliance on Abidal, Thuram, Vieira and Makelele.

    Sagna is injured. I feel sorry for Clichy but Evra is also a superb leftback and I don’t mind if Man United have to sweat over his fitness instead of Arsenal sweating over Clichy. Hope to see Flamini get some game time. I wish he’d stayed with us (Arsenal) but I don’t view him as a traitor. He’s got Italian background and always loved Serie A. He went to a bigger, more prestigious, glamorous club, fair enuf.

    As for Trez…I just don’t think he’s effective under Domenech’s system. Maybe with another manager, he’d do France proud, but I just don’t think France can get the best of him under Domenech. So it’s better that he’s not included.

    And Malouda may be disappointing at Chelsea but that’s due to Grant’s weaknesses. Mourinho wasted a lot of good players at Chelsea because he didn’t know what the hell to do with them (Robben, JCole to name only two). The same thing is happening with Malouda. I think he’s a great player for France, glad to see him included.

  • Doumé

    Domenech about Trezeguet:
    “It’s a choice about the organization. I said it again and again, and so did David: there are four, five axial attackers. At some point, you have to make choices, take a decision, so that things get clear”
    (even with the good season in Serie A)”It’s not my problem anymore, what concerns me now are the ones who will be there, the 30. I evaluated their season, they seem to be the most competitive in order to have a team and a group that are coherent for six weeks. I explain the reasons for my choice to the 30. I don’t have the perfect wisdom, there can be other possibilities. But I did this very choice and I tell the players who are selected: prepare yourselves”
    http://www.lequipe.fr:80/Football/breves2008/20080518_124713_domenech-sur-trezeguet-coherent_Dev.html

  • Doumé

    Darn it took me 6 days to realise that Saha wasn’t in. It’s only a 1/2 surprise though.

  • ram_france

    Basically, lets get this right, there is experience which is needed, but why have cisse? he does nothing good except run, trezeguet is needed, he has been such an influence other the years, and formed a great partnership with henry, that got us to the final in 2006. Yes Benzema is class, but in order for him to cope at the young age, he needs to play with players he can learn off, and yes we may need clichy, but whats to say he will cope? Abidal is much better, but i feel clichy can offer more then evra. Now in the middle of the park, toulalan is class, and so is viera, makalele is still good but its time to admit he is coming on a bit with age, and doesn’t have much pace to offer, flamini is good but to be honest, he isn’t a standout performer. People that are just bigging up players because they play for their club, need to stop, this isn’t going to get France nowhere! I’m a France fan in and out, but when you see influencal players being left off because of a bad game, you fear the worst. Menez shouldn’t be on standby, or whatever he should be in there, him and Hatem Ben Arfa, are two players countries will struggle with because of their youth and talent, same with the likes of Yoann Gourcuff, who isn’t anywhere to be seen. And if Frey doesn’t start in goal, then thats unbelievable.

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