Philippe Mexès is Officially in Domenech’s Doghouse

February 29th, 2008 | by: Laurie |

Raymond Domenech and FFF President Jean-Pierre Escalettes were at the San Siro this week to watch Patrick Vieira in the Inter-Roma game. And since Philippe Mexès plays for Roma, they also got a chance to check out Philippe.

News reports are saying that they were less than impressed with Philippe’s double yellow, which resulted in his sending off in the 82nd minutes.

“A footballer of his experience should not behave this way,” Escalettes was quoted as saying after the game.

I’ve read rumors that one possible reason for Mexès’ exclusion from the team is that he’s a bit of a card magnet. I don’t watch Serie A, so I don’t really know how valid this is.

And of course it could have nothing to do with anti-Serie A bias.

Two thoughts:

1) Since when does Domenech travel out of the country to see players?

-and-

2) I didn’t see the game. Is this a valid criticism? Or is this just a legit way for them to exclude a player who’s already said that Italy is going to win Euros?

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http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org/ Rami

He’s had disciplinary issues for a while. I saw the second yellow that got him the ejection and it didn’t seem that bad from some angles. It wasn’t even a tackle but rather a kind of strong hip check that laid out an inter player. Maybe they also don’t like how he refused to leave the field at first.
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org/ Rami

Oh, and I thought Domenech used an astrological star alignment chart and voodoo calculations to pick his squad. That guy just weird me out. Not picking a player cuz he’s a scorpio? WTF?
sandrahn

Unfortunately, Mexes has developed a reputation now in Serie A and the refs scrutinize him more than others (like our Eboue in the English PL). Mexes has earned this rep tho (so has Eboue). On the Fox Soccer Channel summary of the Roma-Inter game, the commentators made a couple of jokes about Mexes’ constant bookings, because it’s become such a running joke now. It was a great game to watch, btw.
Laura

I think that Mexes is the best defender in Serie A. I also think that Domenech should include him in the Euro 2008 Squad as he is amazing!!! He is being scrutinized by the refs. He’s an asset to football!
http://soccermadinamerica.blogspot.com/ AC

Laurie-

Look who’s back in the news: http://soccermadinamerica.blogspot.com/2008/02/something-to-hang-your-hat-on.html
http://france.worldcupblog.org Laurie

AC! I thought you’d fallen off the face of the earth. Funny, I saw that headline and thought it was an old one — he got some kind of similar award last year, but apparently not “lifetime achievement.” Our Vikash is also dipping his toe into politics — I’ll get more soon!
Seb

I actually started a discussion on this elsewhere, though an argument I gave in favor of Mexès is that the list of aggressive, though classy defensive players we have had goes a long way. Desailly, Vieira, Luis Fernandez, oh, and even Domenech himself (oh wait, he wasn’t a very good player) are among those whose disciplinary records are questionable, yet who would question their incredible contributions? That is not to say Philippe shouldn’t work on calming down a bit, but that it’s likely Domenech wanted to use this conveniently as an excuse not to select/play Mexès when so many, including myself, as well as the European/Italian media even, have been crying out to have him included as the libéro of Les Bleus.
Alessandra

Hey! Credo che Mexes è il miglior difensore in Serie A! Penso anche che egli è la sua passione per il calcio e dovrebbe essere richiamati per Euro 2008! Francia mancherà di lui se non! AS Roma per sempre!
Laura

Alessandra I completely agree with you!!! France will be the only losers if they don’t recall him! Forza Mexes!
http://dogtraining958.info/news/philippe-mexes-is-officially-in-domenech%e2%80%99s-doghouse/ Dog Traning » Blog Archive » Philippe Mexès is Officially in Domenech’s Doghouse

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Seb

Mexès was outstanding against Real today. Gallas was excellent against Milan yesterday. Monsieur Domenech, are you watching? There’s our central defense right there! To add to that, Escudé was poor, though I suppose that Squillaci was decent.
Laura

This is getting ridiculous!!! DOMENECH ARE YOU EVEN WATCHING!???????
Just pick him! He will help you win Euro 2008!!!! DON’T YOU SEE??!
What does everyone else think? Please write a reply!
Forza Mexes!