France News Round-Up

February 24th, 2010 | by: Sarah |

Even the Elephants are angry at Thierry…

It has been a while since we have caught up with the team, potential teammates, managers and alumni during the international down-time.

Today marks the first day that I was proud to have Raymond Domenech represent France. The man has managed to string together several intelligent words and shown some rare wisdom and maturity. I’m sure everyone has noticed how critical the press has been about the preparations for South Africa…those stories became even worse after this year’s African Cup competition. Today, when asked about the preparations for the tournament, Raymond manage to make an observation that has been lost on most of the American, Western European and Australian press. He said,

“We’re in Africa not Germany. Just because there are differences doesn’t mean it won’t be a success here. On the contrary! It’s a challenge for everybody, and one that I have no doubt will be met successfully.”

Finally, some common sense, self-awareness and sensitivity- lets hope this isn’t a fluke!

Domenech has already vowed to make Patrick Vieira France’s captain at the World Cup if he is able to play reguarly at Manchester City. Of course, Patrick isn’t doing himself any favors- he has already gotten himself suspended for three games for kicking out at a Stoke City player. Patrick is no stranger to the FA disciplinary committee- when he was at Arsenal he was booked over 100 times and he was sent off 9 times. Let’s hope this gamble pays off for Patrick and for France.

Domenech has also given his blessing to Thierry- despite his poor displays at Barcelona. Is anyone else bothered by the fact that two players who are old, injury prone and not even playing consistently good football are practically guaranteed spots for South Africa?

Want Armand Traore’s (Arsenal, France Espoirs) body? Here is how to get one…plus his thoughts on religion, tatoos and sweets.

Abidal (Barcelona) backs Fernandez (France, Cannes, PSG) as Domenech’s replacement. Domenech has also named his picks and pulls for the underdog- could this be the kiss of death for Le Guen (France, Cameroon) and Giresse (France, Gabon)? Meanwhile, Bordeaux have put a stop to the Blanc rumors…or at least attempt to stop them.

France could face Nene, Ligue 1’s second most prolific striker this season, when they play Spain.

Interested in seeing France’s head-to-head record against other national teams? Then visit their team page on FIFA’s website here.

As much as Karim insists he is settled in at Real Madrid- others suggest otherwise. Lyon President Aulus, suggested a few weeks ago he was so lonely and isolated that he was living alone in a mansion without furniture. And Lass agreed that Benzema’s young age has made it hard to adapt. The two consecutive car accidents may also suggest that Benzema may not have the right mentality to be a Galactico yet…perhaps he should try Zidane’s strategy of marrying a girl with Spanish roots?

Could a ton of French Arsenal players be moving to Milan soon– the papers are already discussing Clichy, Diaby and Gallas as possible AC Milan targets

Domenech is in South Africa for a coach’s workshop- hah, love the emphasis on professional development. Seriously, what are these events for besides spreading FIFA propaganda?

ESPN can’t let go of Zidane– even if they don’t have anything new to add…

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Scott

Sarah:

Fun column as always! Two quick thoughts:

1. Loved the elephant video. Funny how giant pachyderms seem to be no respecters of celebrity talents.

2. I just started laughing when I read that “Domenech is in South Africa for a coach’s workshop.” Certainly it must be as a student? He can’t actually be teaching, can he?
Sarah

Scott:

Thanks- I try to keep the news round-up as light as possible. The elephant video is funny– does anyone know how old it is?

I think the workshop might be for the FIFA officials to discuss with the coaches the new schedule of the tournament, policies, procedures etc. For example, I think this is when they talk to the coaches about the particular fouls the refs have been asked to crack down on (like diving at the 2006 WC). Mostly I think it also gives the tournament publicity and improves the revenue (travel, press present etc) for the host country.
Scott

Sarah:

Thanks for the update and for your sense of humor. We all care about football (perhaps too much!) and it’s nice to see things from a more comic perspective. So keep up the good work!

BTW, I’m still chuckling about the idea of RD at a true training workshop (especially as a presenter). Oh, the pearls of wisdom!
http://www.adidas.fr/om Justin C.

Sarah:

There is no way Domenech excludes the great Thierry Henry from the squad. Henry’s not injured now, and his wealth of experience playing at the highest levels for country, Arsenal, and Barca are needed. Even if he’s lost a step, he’s still a dangerous weapon.

Patrick Viera, on the other hand, is shooting himself in the foot. He wants to be on Dom’s team and struggles for playing time yet he does something so completely stupid…. Ahh, there’s still time yet, but something tells me he won’t make the cut.

I do like Saha, but Cisse has been in great form lately and, in my opinion, also deserves a call-up…
Sarah

Justin:

Re: Henry
I agree that Thierry can be a useful and important member of the team. My criticism is more of a) Domenech’s guarantee of Viera being named captained if he does make the team and b) the combination of Patrick and Thierry both being fielded at the same time- two over the hill players who aren’t even playing reguarly much less playing well should not make up nearly 1/5 of our team! We only get 11 people to play at one time- two of those spaces shouldnt go to people who aren’t even the first choice at their own club! This is France- not some small upstart national team!

Re: Cisse
He has played well, but playing well in Greece in completely different from playing well in Ligue 1, the EPL, Spain or even Germany…and his personality is kryptonite. Is he good enough to get away with that attitude? In my opinion…NO. He is an individualist who hasn’t shown any team he has played for a bit of loyalty. You reap what you sow- he has to the center of attention and when he doesn’t get that he moves to a team/league where he is the center of attention. I have a hard time respecting players who are happy being the big fish in the small pond…
Jean Pierre

finally an article that i fully understand
otto

Henry and Gallas cheated us-Ireland-out of a World Cup place.I just hope France get their just rewards and get knocked out in the group stages. They deserve nothing less. Hopefully, they will be joined by England. Come on GERMANY. show them how good football should be played.