Euro 2012: France vs Belarus and Bosnia, Les Bleus Squad

August 26th, 2010 | by: Sarah |

Diarra

Alou Diarra was one of the 11 World Cup players to make Blanc’s first Euro qualification squad. Will Blanc trust him to captain the national team like he trusted him to lead Bordeaux?

Blanc chose a squad of 21 players to face Belarus and Bosnia in France’s first qualification matches for Euro 2012. In the lead-up to the announcement, he made a few interesting comments that gives us a few hints on his thoughts and potential starting XI.

Hatem Ben Arfa “eliminated himself” by boycotting training at his squad (Marseille) to force a transfer to either Newcastle or Werder Bremen (other rumors include Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal). Its a complicated story- but basically he’s (alledgedly) training alone in Paris by jogging and playing tennis. But, he has refused to even go to Marseille to train with his team or play in games. In Blanc’s words, he “eliminated himself” with his decision. In addition to the lack of physical fitness (which was never his strength) he clearly has a lot of other emotional baggage (his father just gave an interview with Le Parisien accusing HBA’s “advisor” of brainwashing him and turning him into a cult. You all know I adore HBA, but this was probably the right choice by Blanc. If HBA were to play and make an error- the fallout would be tremendous. He is not in the right frame of mind.

The probably centerback pairing will be Mexes and Sakho. In a recent interview, Blanc said he was “playing a big defender with Mexes [...] the one that I love, big potential, left footed, is Sakho.” I’m personally dissapointed for Rami, who I think is arguably better, more consistent and definitely better in the air…but I see Blanc’s point on having a “true left-footed” player.

Evra has decided to appeal his 5-match ban, but the FFF has not suspended the sentence while the appeal is reviewed. Ribery will not appeal his 3-match ban though he released a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with the ruling and the explanation. He may have been afraid of the FFF increasing the punishment (the ruling can either be reduced, upheld or increased). As of now, he is available to play October 12th in our game vs Luxembourg

Abidal was not chosen, though he did not receive a ban from the FFF. This may change as La Liga starts this weekend and his form may warrant a call-up in the future.

Toulalan was not called up because he has been pushed back to the central defense on his club team, Lyon, which may hurt his chances of appearing regularly for France in the future. While he will be missed, I think we will be okay as we have several formidable defensive midfielders – both Lass and Alou Diarra as well as Abou Diaby if needed. I know Lass received tremendous (completely deserved) criticism in the Norway match. But, keep in mind that neither Serie A nor La Liga started until this weekend so Diarra, Mexes and Menez all lacked complete fitness and competitive games. I think it is worth giving them another shot in the future. I expect Alou Diarra to get the starting nod. Blanc clearly trusts him (from his days at Bordeaux)- and Alou will likely share the midfield role with Malouda.

Gourcuff is still unavailable due to his straight red card in the final World Cup group match vs South Africa.

Nasri is unavailable due to a surgery he had performed on his leg. He is only expected to be out of commission for a month.

Blanc’s Bleus

Players who were present at the 2010 World Cup are italicized.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)

DEFENDERS: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal / ENG), Adil Rami (Lille), Philippe Mexes (AS Roma / ITA), Sakho (Paris-SG), Benedict Trémoulinas (Bordeaux), Gael Clichy (Arsenal / ENG)

MEDIA: Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), Jeremy Menez (AS Rome / ITA), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid / ESP), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Florent Malouda (Chelsea / ENG), Abu Diaby (Arsenal / ENG)

FORWARDS: Kevin Gameiro (Lorient), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid / ESP), Loïc Remy (Marseille), Louis Saha (Everton / ENG), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris SG).

Make sure to check-out Jean-François’s post yesterday on the Bosnia and Belarus squads we will be facing!

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Michel-Olivier

france 0 – 0 belarus
france 0 – 2 bosnia

the squad overall suck, resemble to much like something domenech would of selected.
Alaingoal33

I am a bit surprised that Squillaci and Koscielny are not in, both of whom are at arsenal.
Also, what about Yohan Cabaye? He is already playing great, and France could use an attacking centre-midfielder in the absence of Gourcuff and Nasri.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

I don't see why the fact that they play at Arsenal really makes a difference. Arsenal is a great club, but not the only club French players play for. Club preferences should not dictate national team call-ups. That is what led to Serie A players being ignored by Domenech-because of his own personal taste and preferences overriding what is best for the team. Squillaci hasn't played at all yet this season since he chose to not play with Sevilla in the Champions League qualification. Why would he be chosen? And Koscielny is good but Blanc has made it clear he wants a true “left footed” centerback. To my knowledge, Sakho is the only one France has (at a high level). Mexes is older and has many years of experience at Roma. I think Koscielny and Squillaci are great players and may play a role in the squad in the future- but I think Blanc wants to try the Mexes-Sakho pairing first. Also, its kind of risk to have an entire backline of Arsenal (Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy) just because the EPL is extremely long and players experience massive fatigue. Not to mention injuries.

I'm disappointed to not see Cabaye myself, but you can't argue against Malouda's form which has been on fire.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

Michel: Blanc is still working under considerable constraints. Players are still suspended (for cards or by the FFF), some players have changed positions at their clubs (Toulalan) and injuries (Nasri). The squad is designed to mix new faces (Menez, Gameiro, Tremoulinas, M'Vila) with the best of the World Cup players available and ones that never got a chance under Domenech (Mexes, Rami etc). Less than half the squad was chosen by Domenech for the World Cup and 3 of those 9 are goalkeepers (which I think Domenech was right about). Though, I will admit that I want Ruffier to be given another chance.
Nicolas

I'm not as pessimistic as Michel,
Michel-Olivier

it should of been cabaye, pedretti, briand, ciani, cheyrou and gonalons instead of diaras, remy, rami, diaby and mvila
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

I agree that its frustrating to constantly see Pedretti and Cheyrou continue to be overlooked. But Cheyrou has lost his starting position to Kabore at OM- he needs to get that back first. Ciani is inferior to Planus in my opinion- talented, but nothing without his regular partner at Bordeaux. I was surprised not to see Briand, but he isn't out. Hasn't been stellar for Lyon- then again, hasn't gotten much help there the first 3 weeks of the league!
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Jean-François Racinet

Great comments Nicolas. This is a great mix and I'm glad to see that Gameiro has all but officially chosen France.

About Sakho, I could see him getting the nod against Belarus. Mainly because we shouldn't be doing too much defending against Belarus. The experience will help a lot. Rami should play against Bosnia for sure.

We have so many holding midfielders! It's sad not to see Pedretti on the team, especially after his performance yesterday.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

True, M'Vila was huge vs Norway. I still think Blanc will stick with Alou unless he seriously does something wrong. If Lass doesn't A) win his spot in Real Madrid's starting XI-which is unlikely as Michel-Olivier pointed out or B) Transfer to another top side then he may very well lose his place to M'Vila.

The same is true of Benzema (losing his place).
http://france.worldcupblog.org Jeff

Here, and I'm an Arsenal supporter, I have to agree with Sarah's sentiment that it's crazy to suppose that being signed by Arsenal is grounds for a call up.
http://france.worldcupblog.org Jeff

Amen to Rami and Mvila. I liked them against Norway.
ROD

lloris
Sagna-Mexes-A.Diarra-Clichy
Lass-Diaby
Menez-Malouda
Remy-Benzema
ROD

Saha? Really? Its different but its TOO DIfferent and Where's the playmaker? I don't think he picked a playmaker even though menez can play that role
Nicolas

According to L'Equipe (today's issue), the strting 11 could be

A) 4-4-2

Lloris – Sagna, Rami, Mexès, Clichy – A. Diarra, Diaby – Valbuena, Malouda – Benzema (or Rémy), Hoarau

B) 4-3-3

Lloris – Sagna, Rami, Mexès, Clichy – MVila, A. Diarra, Diaby – Valbuena, Hoarau, Malouda

More clues next week on the practise field.

PS : I'm not quite convinced by the Valbuena selection. He's not in a great shape. It means that maybe Blanc needed wingers for a 442 or 433 ???

And my bet would be Alou D as captain (unless Blanc sticks with Mexès)
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

True, in the first 3 games of Ligue 1, Valbuena has not been stellar. He hasn't done anything special and has looked a bit lethargic.

I doubt Blanc will stick with Mexes- he said we should expect to see the armband rotate around a bit. He wants someone who “flourishes” with the armband not “crumbles.” I think he will give Alou a chance- he clearly knows the type of leader he is (at Bordeaux). But how someone acts on their club team and national team obviously varies significantly. It would be crazy (in a good way) if the guy that lost his confidence in 2006 because his own team wouldn't pass to him became the leader of the Bleus for 2012…

Im surprised no one thinks Sakho will be in the starting XI. Was this article written by Pierre Menes? I adore Rami, I think he deserves a chance- I just don't think he appeals to Blanc as much.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Jean-François Racinet

Valbuena did surprise us all against Costa Rica though. He seems to actually have pride for France. Having him in the starting lineup doesn't really bother me. Plus we have Malouda's who is in the best form of his career to pick up the slack.

Sakho might be shaky at the beginning but he is definitely the best bet looking into the future. I think we should give him as much experience as possible during the qualifiers.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Jean-François Racinet

He would have called up one but Nasri, Gourcuff, and Ribery are all ineligible for various reasons. So he must find a formation that doesn't rely on a #10.
anon

Both line-ups are decent and should be sufficient to overcome Belarus and Bosnia (although I slightly prefer Menez to Valbuena). As J-F implies, Malouda is dominating the EPL and should be able to carry the attack for France.
Nicolas

Do you mean “the guy that lost his confidence in 2010 (not 2006) because nobody would pass to him ? In that case that would be Gourcuff. If it was 2006, i don't see who you're talking about. Is it Diarra ? Well, i think Gourcuff wouldn't make a leader because he's way too shy.
Pierre Menès is no longer at L'Equipe, he's at Canal + now and has a wonderful blog at http://fr.sports.yahoo.com/fo/pierrotlefoot/ (but most of you prbably know it already).
Nicolas

Like you, I'd rather see Menez in the place of Valbuena. I think L'Equipe are wrong about Valbuena. I don't see him starting.
Adrian

I'd rather see Menez instead of Diaby!!!!!!!!!!! Diaby is in really really bad form for Arsenal… go ask an Arsenal fan, and you'll know why I'm feeling so!!!

Diaby is one of the most inconsistent player in my opinion. He plays good in one match then flops in the next match. He only made an in and out performance against Blackpool.

Oh Jesus I'm just hoping he does get to his best form should he be selected to start instead of Menez….
Adrian

I agree with you for Gourcuff and Nasri. They are the best candidate of the next #10 of France. But for Ribery, he proved us wrong that he could be the heir to Zidane. He played “the Zidane role” in Mexico match, and he flopped way too heavily.. He's a natural winger, thus not making him a good #10 for France.
So far I only see Gourcuff and Nasri to be the #10 of France.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ Jean-François Racinet

Yes, and let me get my opinion clear, I hate Ribery right now. I think Malouda should always have the start over him on the left side. However I do think that Ribery is an extremely skilled player. I really hope that Blanc can do something to release his potential, I am extremely doubtful.

I only included him in the list because he often is associated with Gourcuff and Nasri as a potential #10. I never want for Ribery to be the center of the French team, he is extremely passive-aggressive to his teammates on the field. He does not represent France correctly.
Nicolas

Diaby's always been good with l'equipe de France. Everytime he played under Domenech people said wow, at least a defensive miedfielder who's able to play forward
Lapointe

I like the fullback pairing of Clichy & Sagna. The centre-back Sakho has a great future too, but I am not sold on Mexes & Rami. To be honest, neither has been amazing internationally. They both deserve a shot to prove themselves, but I hope Blanc will also consider other talented players like Mikael Ciani, Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Delpierre, and perhaps also Sebastien Squillaci (who has a lot of experience with les Bleus). I am hoping Toulalan will make a swift transition from holder to centre-back at Lyon, so that he can come back to the national team and help out the defence.

Otherwise, I really like what Blanc is doing with this team (MUCH better selections than Domenech). Bringing in young stars like Remy, Menez and Gameiro is brilliant. Malouda is awesome and Saha is great when healthy. But to be fair, I think Alou Diarra is over-rated and I would have preferred Pedretti, Cheyrou, Sissoko, or Flamini.
The only thing missing in midfield is Yohan Cabaye – give him a chance, he deserves it! I don't see any attacking midfielders on this squad . . . Diaby is more of a box-to-box player, Menez is a winger/forward, and M'Vila is a holder. So does this mean that Valbuena will start in the #10 spot??
Nicolas

Cabaye was called today with Reveillère (Lass was injured this week end). Blanc must have heard you !!
I'm happy for him, but about Reveillère I don't know. Debuchy with Lille has made a much better start in L1.
Lapointe

Yes I am happy for Cabaye!
Foreverzidane

I love it, the Dawn of a new Era, with players who will give it their all unlike their egotisctic
former mates. A breath of fresh air was desperately needed. Great selections. Would have liked to see Squillaci in there as one of the CBs.
Joe247

Haaaa, is taht wat you call a team. They are fucking shit. If you think that France are seriously going to contend for the Euro 2012 competition with this team you must have been raped by your mother and father and myself several times. If you do think this. give me a call and I'll knock some well needed sense and intelligence inwho to you and I'll probably have you killed if you don't have sex with me. An awful team with awful sad people who sit at home and blog on this sad topic. Go and get a life Nicholas, Jeff and offside Sarah. you sad mutherfukers. Go fuck yourselfs before you all get raped. Go on, go. Haaaaaa. Seriously, your all sad idiots if you ask me. Oh and if you even try respond to this think again or I'll take your life. Joe. The homosexual from Brighton. xxx
BIH4LIFE

Bosnia Will Be Number One In Their Group. I'm Sure Because They Have Such A Excellent Squad.