Laurie’s Post-Game Thoughts. OR: Could Henry Cost Domenech His Job?

The goals from open play will come. No question.

I’ve watched the first half of France – Columbia, and I liked Henry in the game. He’s not as good as he was in 2003. But who is? Plus, he’s a different type of player now, and his partnership with Benzema is perfect for showcasing the skill he developed over his career. His passing is great. He’s great on the ball. He’s a great setup guy for Benzema. Around 2003, one of the seasons Henry led the league in goals, he set a Premiership record for assists.

There will be goals.

have u considered the fact that maybe –just maybe– they are saving their energy (and better playing) for the actual tournament?
maybe…:-/

Henry did save us in the qualifier played at La Beaujoire against Lithuania, though, so I wouldn’t say he has lost the ability to make things happen on the field, it’s more that he doesn’t have that breathtaking speed he once did, which makes it harder for him to get that separation away from defenders and work in space, which for me, remains his strength.

Although on an interesting note a buddy of mine who is a fan of Ligue 1 asked why Ben Arfa, but also Miralem Pjanic, were not included in the team as after having watched this match, guys like them who are able to beat multiple defenders (and then shoot) on the run would have done well in a game like this.

Nevertheless, I do think when we kick off come Monday that we will manage to score against Mutu, Chivu and company. It won’t be pretty, but we don’t have a choice, as I think all the guys realize we have to win that match.

Diamond cutter, you may be right. I hope you’re right. The thing for me was that liveblogging, where I had to focus on each play, also made me focus on how we lost the ball each time. And it was frequently Henry being unable to get past defenders. If we have players who can get by those defenders, they should be the ones on the field.

Laurie,
I thought he seemed a bit relaxed myself during the Colombia game.However, Henry is a seasoned veteran who knows a thing or two about big international competitions. It’s been a frustrating season for him at Barca where he was played out of position. He may have been using these matches to get his bearings back. I’m hoping you are wrong about him as well.

Henry is no where close to being done. Just because he doesn’t spend all game beating defenders down the flank, you’ve given up on him all together. He has one of the best soccer minds not to mention touch and shot in the world, and can still run reasonably fast. Let him establish his role as the “central” forward and he’ll make you eat your words. Don’t be so fickle France fans. Henry’s problem has always been his mind…if his mind is right, he’ll be money. No body seems to remember how negative France fans were toward Zinedine Zidane before his first retirement. He’s too slow, he’s unfit, he can’t run, he’s too old. Please…do your job and give this team some heart.

To address the Ben Arfa situation. He played like a selfish and confused Lyon starlet before getting cut. He had no sense of position or team shape on the field, and made many mistakes, sometimes leaving the back exposed to high counters after stupid turn overs. I agree with the cut and think he needs to do some serious reevaluation of his style of play. Maybe a spell in the EPl or Primera would do him some good. No questions he’s got immense potential but his attitude and approach need help.

I thought the game was kinda entertaining for a friendly. As the commentator put it: “I’ve seen worse world cup games than this one.” Coupet wasn’t really tested seriously, but I cannot express enough of my love for Benzema and Ribery. I was kinda relieved when Domenech took out Ribery though; for a friendly, the guy was getting beaten up quite badly, from a bleeding ear and what seemed like an injured ankle?
I can’t really make my mind up about Henry though. He lost quite a few balls to the defenders and all the while my mind was replaying scenes of “what would a younger Henry do?”. At least he’s formed what seems like a solid partnership with Benzema now–that kid seems to be able to bond with anyone (except for Ben Arfa, but who does?). Didja see him touch Ribery’s chin after the penalty? So cute! (:
I really really hope that Diamond Cutter is right though. Because I’m already liking what they’re playing here, and if that conserved energy is let out during the euros, France stands a neat chance.

France always seem to play up (or down) to their opponents. This has been the case for years. I agree that they were saving their energy against Colombia. Once they got the goal it was more about interplay and a practice session after that. Wait until the tournament starts and then we can get a better picture of Henry and Benzema.

oh dear laurie… i’m afraid i have to cautiously agree with you.

something’s up with titi. for some reason he’s not the same. i’m not saying domenech should throw the baby out with the bathwater, but i do think that his strict policy to play henry no matter what is hurting the team.

stephane and i argue about this constantly, but it is my simple belief that as henry is out of form he should be challenged for his starting place like any other player. stephane goes all mental when i say this, arguing about whether he’s out of form or not and saying that i want to drop henry. well, i’m not saying drop him forever, but simply that he isn’t indispensable.

surely the way to go is to not play him sometimes and see how he responds. develop an alternative. play anelka and benzema. gomis and benzema? benzema in front of govou and ribery – whatever! but try something else.

and then if the combination with titi works better than the one without, then fine – argument settled.

also, i do believe that it isn’t healthy for your ego being untouchable like that for so long. he’s been a starter for about 10 years now. as a striker thats incredible! i reckon drop him, drop him proper, and see how he reacts. tell him, i’m not impressed. this stuff you’re doing on the pitch lately just isn’t good enough for me. i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him playing with a little more fire then…

Also, everybody rewatch the qualifier against Ireland to get a little inspiration.

AM I OUT OF TOUCH? COULD THIS WORK?

COUPET

GALLAS(CALL ME CRAZY) THURAM ABIDAL EVRA

DIARRA MAKELELE TOULALAN

RIBERY

BENZEMA HENRY

For those interested, L’Equipe has a piece about the game, Domenech and Henry interviews also. Not much new, just they are feeling that things are OK although there is room for improvement. However, I respect the choice for the opponents in these friendlies; it was not easy and in some ways, they are not unlike the Romanians (call me heretic) except Rom seems to play tighter.

In order to look ahead, here’s some highlights from Romania-Montenegro, their latest morale-booster. Don’t know if there is much to learn from that, except that I am not sure the French defense would do the kind of mistakes that the Montenegrans do; Thuram would be a God in Montenegro!

http://www.bestsoccervids.com/2008/05/romania-montenegro-4-0-full-highlights.html

I agree with you Laurie, Henry seemed to be a bit of a weak link in his last performance. While I’m not sure what his form will spell for the team and it’s future (it’s hard for me to sweat bullets with the depth contained within the French squad) I am fairly certain that Henry will look to make the largest impression possible during the tournament. I know that both he and his agent see EURO as a grand stage from which he can market his dominance to club managers in attendance (and lord knows they will be there). With an unsettled bunch back in Camp Nou, Henry will move after this season and he will use EURO as nothing short of a commercial for himself (think Nike meets French Chamber of Tourism). Will this help or hurt? Who knows. All that can be certain is that he will be out there giving what he feels will get him paid. Oh, and I almost forgot, he loves his country too (cough, cough).

Have to agree with Doumé, credit to Domenech for choosing these 3 South American nations for the pre-tournament practice matches.

Laurie gets to the heart of the matter and asks the unanswered question:

“Why can’t France put the ball in the net in open play?”

Honestly, it’s like watching Arsenal at their worst. I say that as a passionate, loyal gooner. Bags of talent and football brilliance all over the pitch….but it’s like the damned net is somewhere on Mars!

Also as a passionate and loyal gooner there’s no greater fan of Thierry Henry than I. In 6 visits to England during Henry’s reign at Arsenal, I got to see the man play in the flesh several times and they are games that I will never forget. Having watched football games live for almost 40 years and in multiple countries, there are only a few that I remember with such vivid images and sheer visceral excitement. Henry’s games are among those powerful memories.

But I agree with those who say that he’s just not the same anymore. I know he’s been played out of position at Barca and it’s stupid to expect the same brilliant Henry now that he’s older, plagued with sciatica, in his first season in a new country under a different system and manager. But even with France he doesn’t seem the same anymore–not just physically, but mentally.

I certainly hope to have my doubts proven wrong but I have to agree with Laurie’s concerns. I really do wish Domenech would start relying less on Henry and give his other forwards more chances. Henry’s place in the national team is too cozy. That’s never good for a team fighting for a trophy.

All that said, I agree it’s stupid to expect total commitment from the players in these friendlies, just before a major tournament. And PLEASE, dear god, I don’t want to hear about any injuries to Ribery!!!

Henry came out recently saying he’s thinking of retiring after this summer’s Euros.

Blame it on Barcelona

Is somebody trying to say Domenech’s faith was misplaced? I think that somebody missed the last 9 years. Sure he’s not a spring chicken anymore but it was never pace alone that Thierry brought to bear on defences. And besides, he’s still the sexiest man in football.

Laurie, I think you’re right when you say France can’t put the ball in the net in open play. I’m a Romania fan and I’ve been doing my homework on studying the play of the teams in our group. I can tell you that the main difference between this France squad and the one that was finalist in 06 is the fact that there have been key changes to very important and pivotal positions on the field. It is true that France has great talent but it is still an immature talent on the national side and they will take a tournament or two to truly gel together and start linking up well. Don’t forget that you guys are coming out of your golden era and footballing seems a bit off when you compare the current generation to the previous golden generation. We had the same problem in Romania after Euro 2000 with the departure of Hagi and Ppopescu and other influential players. Sur ce, je vous souhaite bonne chance les francais, mais je predis que la Roumanie causera une surprise. Au revoir.

It’s a very good argument, Andrei, and I hope Romania does well, except against us, though on the other hand, we did absorb the loss of Cantona/Ginola before we became world champions. I think what has actually helped in the transition is guys like Vieira (who will not play against you though is set to appear in the tournament), as well as Thuram, actually, who have been there and know how to show the bunch of young’uns how to get it done.