In a press conference yesterday, Raymond Domenech announced a list of 30 players–one more than the 29 he previously claimed he would select–that will train with a view to making the final squad for the Euros. That number will be cut down to 23 on the 28th of May, 12 days before Les Bleus’ first game vs Romania on Monday, May 9th. It seems those on the fringes of that final squad of 23 will have to make an impression during the May 27th friendly vs Ecuador. France will have 2 more friendlies after that match.
The 30 players are:
Keepers: G. Coupet, M. Landreau, S. Frey, S. Mandanda
Defenders: E. Abidal, J-A. Boumsong, F. Clerc, J. Escudé, P. Evra, W. Gallas, P. Mexès, W. Sagnol, L. Thuram, S. Squillaci
Midfielders: L. Diarra, A. Diarra, M. Flamini, C. J. Toulalan, P. Vieira
Forwards: N. Anelka, H. Ben Arfa, K. Benzema, D. Cissé, B. Gomis, T. Henry, F. Malouda, S. Govou, F. Ribéry, S. Nasri
Some interesting notes:
Domenech has chosen 4 goalkeepers, certainly at the expense of an outfield player or 2, such as Gael Clichy and maybe Bacary Sagna. Steve Mandanda, the reigning Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year gets included. What’s a bit bizarre about this selection, is that Domenech has stated in the past that his keeper hierarchy is very rigid, and that it would be nearly impossible to displace a number 1 keeper. So why include Mandanda? Is it simply so Domenech can get a closer look at him and play him for a half in the first friendly? Is it simply for injury cover? Surely, Mandanda will be amongst the 7 cut.
But it begs the question, if you’re going to take a “risk” and bring in a Mandanda, who has no real chance of making the final squad–barring injury–then why not risk that selection on a player who might just impress so much, that his inclusion becomes mandatory? A player like Clichy, who’s domestic season was phenomenal? Perhaps this is again where Domenech’s rather “unique” managerial style comes into play. It’s no real secert that he sticks with players he likes (or trusts). Look no further than Willy Sagnol, who despite missing nearly the entire Bayern Munich season through injury, has been included. With that in mind, the left back position has been set for what seems like years, with Eric Abidal the automatic choice (despite some shaky La Liga performances). Recently, Patrice Evra has been the #2 at left back, leaving Clichy picking up the A’ scraps.
It’s more of the same for the rest of the defense.
I think most people will be pleased Mathieu Flamini has been given the opportunity to make the squad. I know I’ve often felt as if his natural attacking instincts (for a defensive midfielder) would be most welcome in a France side that continues to be bogged down by the aging Vieira and Makelele (the same goes for Lassana Diarra, re. attacking instincts). That being said, I fear the same rule that Domenech applies to his left back situation, applies here, and I doubt very much if Flamini can jump ahead of Vieira/Makelele/Toulalan/L. Diarra, which is a shame. Toulalan, for me, is a wasted spot, as I don’t think he brings much to the table that we can’t already get out of 60 minutes from Vieira or Makelele. Especially considering the spark of L. Diarra/Flamini mentioned above.
Moving on to the forwards, there’s some definite youth with Nasri and Ben Arfa in there, both of whom could be on the receiving end of HUGE paydays should they be involved in the Euros (and play well of course). More of the same from the rest, but the real surprise of this 30 man squad has to be Bafetimbi Gomis, the excellent St Etienne striker. Has a real Drogba likeness, the 22 year old Gomis will not be well known to most outside of France. However, he has put in consecutive very good seasons in Ligue 1, and finished this year’s campaign with 16 goals in leading St Etienne to the 5th place. He’s a real centre forward, capable of scoring with his head and with power from his boot from just about anywhere. He’s a lethal finisher. Enjoy the video compilation below showing some of his goals. Note the excellent body control on breakaways, his power from outside the box, his reflexes (off the Coupet mistake in particular), his headers and his finishing within the box.
I was disappointed not to see Bacary Sagna, the PFA right back for the Premier League. I was really hoping this could start him off as France’s permanent new right back, or at least give him a taste of the big time in order to whet his appetite for 2010.
Also excluded, though thankfully in my opinion, is Trezeguet. Is this finally the end for the ex-Euro 2000 hero? Completely ineffective in his last caps, especially vs England where it seemed the rest of the team was uninterested in providing him with the crosses he thrives on. He no longer seems to fit in France’s attacking strategy (well he hasn’t for several years, it has to be said!).
FInally, Rothen seems to have been the victim of PSG’s poor season as there is no place for the seemingly revived midfielder.
Below I’ve gone through each player and added a blurb as well if I feel he’ll be excluded from the final squad.
Coupet: Completely recovered from his knee injury. There is no threatening his position as France #1. Possibly his last major tournament.
Landreau: Poor season at PSG highlighted by his howler vs Scotland. Benefits from Domench’s keeper hierarchy. Still not a long term solution for France.
Frey: Keeps putting in big time seasons for Fiorentina in Serie A. Often considered the next best keeper in Italy after Buffon. Can’t seem to crack the top 2 for France. His performance vs Ukraine earlier in the year didn’t help.
Mandanda: The real deal and France’s next #1. Won’t make the final Euro squad, barring injury, but should propel past Landreau and Frey come Coupet’s retirement.
Abidal: Consistently inconsistent, but a Domenech favourite. A lock to make the team. Needs to keep his head in the game defensively. Has become very good going forward, provided he gets service.
Boumsong: Has somehow kept career going with Juventus. Provides centre back cover (I guess). Seems prime to be one the 7 cut come May 28th.
Clerc: Interesting player. Can play in the midfield as well. Seems to have become first choice when Sagnol gets injured. Can be very dynamic going forward.
Escudé: Another solid season under the radar for Sevilla. Can he avoid the axe though? Good enough to cover several defensive positions. Recent injury might hinder his chances.
Evra: Should probably be first choice after the brilliant season he had for Manchester United (and considering Abidal’s shortcomings). Excellent going forward, a real threat when delivering the ball.
Gallas: While perhaps not among the top 5 defenders in the world, Gallas is nonetheless untouchable. Shows great tenacity and pops up with crucial goals.
Mexès: More centre back cover. Seems to do well for Roma, and yet hasn’t excelled for France. Spot starter at best.
Sagnol: Still apparently first choice, despite injuries. 2 years past his prime but will still have his place in the squad.
Thuram: The ageless rock. Disappointing domestic season, yet seems rejuvenated when playing for France.
Squillaci: He’s been hanging around Les Bleus for a while now, but is he anything more than a sub?
A. Diarra: A young talent, who seems to have done whatever it is player’s do to gain Domenech’s loyalty. Always seems included in squads. Probably won’t make the final squad.
L. Diarra: Dynamic player who can fill several positions. Seems ahead of Flamini in that regard and so should make sure his suitcases are packed.
Flamini: Excellent domestic season yet has not be rewarded by Domenech–until now? Probably will miss out due to Lassana’s seemingly automatic inclusion.
Makelele: Still very good for short periods of time, i.e. last 15 minutes of a game, and so for that reason shouldn’t really have any business playing for France anymore. However, experience is experience and he could be a calming influence.
Toulalan: Another one of Domenech’s favourites. Seems to do just enough to keep his head above water. Not as dynamic as L. Diarra or Flamini.
Vieira: Classic hot rod or aging dinosaur? Plagued by injuries but has recently been popping in a few for Inter. He does play for Inter, so he must have “it”, right? Right?
Anelka: You can’t go wrong with him on the pitch. Can score from anywhere. And he has.
Ben Arfa: Bit of a wildcard, though not quite on the “Theo Walcott is going to Germany” level. Primed for the big time, he’s a regular for Lyon. Fantastic pace, but can he hack it under pressure?
Benzema: Really primed for the big time, and this could be it. Terrific strength combined with rather deceptive pace. Could easily push for a starting XI spot.
Cissé: Has fought his way back into contention with a 16 goal season for Marseille. Seems a bit down the “exciting winger/forward” pecking order.
Gomis: The surprise selection. One would assume he’s not here anymore come May 28th, but Domenech doesn’t hand out too many freebies so maybe this is for real. Can be a real handful for defenders due to size/strength/pace. Never produced on a stage bigger than Ligue 1.
Henry: Still the King, I suppose. Let’s hope he puts his disappointing season behind him, although he did seem to finish with a bit of a bang (5 goals in his last 4 games). Still waiting for him to dominate a major tournament. Good news is he still can. Wait, are the Euros in Spain??? No? Phew.
Malouda: Another classic Domenech special. Seems to do very well, except in the final third, which is fairly crucial for a winger. He’s been given one chance too many, but they still keep coming.
Govou: Actually a veteran at age 28. Is an excellent sub and could push for a starting spot. Is very quick and elusive. Needs to improve his finishing.
Ribéry: He was the best Frenchman this past domestic season. A human dynamo. Please keep him in a protective bubble until June 9th.
Nasri: If given an opportunity, could take the Euros by storm. Hasn’t quite been able to put it all together at the highest level–yet. They don’t call him the next Zidane for nothing.
So to recap, I think the 7 players to be cut are:
Mandanda, Boumsong, Escudé, A. Diarra, Flamini, Cissé and…Gomis. I’d love to see him on the big stage but he would represent the 4th striker and that’s probably one more than Domenech would want to carry. Ben Arfa and Nasri are, I feel, on serious thin ice and could easily lose their places as they are not yet in Domenech’s back pocket. I would like to see all 3 included and Toulalan left out. How many defensive midfielders to you need?
–Stéphane F.
Very good and detailed analysis, I agree to all of your points.
Except L. Diarra’s advantage towards Flamini being his versatileness, because the Flamster has played right back as well. I still think that L. Diarra will be favoured, just because Domenech likes to stick to people.
Players to be dropped: Mandanda, Boumsong, Escudé, A. Diarra, Flamini, Govou and Gomis.
Keep up the good work mate!
Very appreciative of this blog. I’ve always been interested in the French sides and there is definitely a demand for more inforamtive blogs like this one.
From what I have seen of Ben Arfa this season, I would be suprised if he made the 23 man squad. Although talented, like Walcott, he is physically weak. His fraccas with Benzema have to be sorted out too. In my eyes, both Diarras will make it to the Euros.
Domenech has to be worried about his defence? Surely there will be problems if he starts Thuram, Sagnol and Abidal. For me, these players are either past their best, or out of form.
Boumsong? You do wonder.
Hey Kolo, good to hear from you again! I actually think both Lassana and Flamini are pretty much equal in terms of versatileness. For some reason, Diarra has always had the leg up on Mathieu, even though he hasn’t had as a good a season. They’re somehwat difficult players to gauge as they both do a lot of “dirty” work that often goes unseen. If push came to shove I think Diarra has more potential and is a better athlete. However, at the moment, I’d be more confident with the Flamster (i like that nickname!) in there.
I can’t see Govou being dropped, he’s played pretty well for France recently and Domenech has always seem comfortale with him.
Phil, great to read your comment, welcome to the site! And thank you for your kind words, re the blog. Jean-Pierre and I hope to go into overdrive as we near the Euros so hopefully we’ll be getting lots of good info out there.
You know, I think you’re right about Ben Arfa. He was definitely a bit out of his depth when he came on vs Man U, and his slightness is a bit of a concern when you start talking about playing several games a week. It’s maybe asking a bit too much of him to have a major impact this summer.
Defensively…is Domenech worried? I don’t think so…am I worried? Yes, a bit! Not about Thuram mind you, he’s been excellent for France, a different player. I know he’s not played much for Barca (though perhaps this has saved his legs a bit) and he is at the twilight of his career but on his day he can dominate. Sagnol though…i don’t understand. I thought he was great during the World Cup but even then it really seemed like that was it for him, and he’s certainly lost a step now due to recent injuries. I can’t see how he can keep up with on-rushing attackers no matter how good a football brain he has. To be honest, I doubt if he’ll even come through this training camp 100% fit. With regards to Abidal, I’ve been very critical of him since he’s been a main fixture in the starting XI. However, I think he’s improved quite a bit, on both ends, though the rumblings out of la Liga at the close of this season suggest he was struggling a bit (but who wasn’t really for Barca). All I can really say is, thankfully Evra is backing him up!
I still the defense for France is strong and well organised. I can’t see us giving up too many goals, though we were a bit shaky on set pieces during the recent qualification. As long as Gallas and Thuram stay fit, we can rotate the fullbacks pretty well. Perhaps the team strength has shifted a bit now though, we seem much stronger offensively than in previous years…which is odd seeing as that hasn’t translated into a lot more goals. It’s almost as if Domenech doesn’t know quite how to accomadate all the firepower. Is that why he’s sticking with this relatively conservative approach (essentially playing 2 defensive mids: Vieira+Maks/Toulalan)? If ain’t broke, don’t fix it…?
Boumsong…ha. Honestly, what is that about?!
stephane, while i agree with most of what you say about our defence, looking at our defence in black and white, as phil put it there, sagnol, thuram and abidal are an accident waiting to happen…
some team like holland are just going to decide to own us and then run all over our back line…
also, it doesn’t inspire me with much confidence knowing that the one defender not mentioned is gallas, who hasn’t had the best end of season (certainly by his standards).
and if that back-line is as frail as we fear, then that’ll mean even more focus on our super-attacking pair of makelele and vieira.
… oh dear. i can just see us playing entire games in the middle of the field, and titi doing that thing where he comes to fetch the ball at the halfway line and then trying to build attacks by himself, and then getting fouled and spazzing out at the rest of the french team, and gallas shouting at people and thuram trying to calm things down.
all i can say is thank heaven for anelka and ribery. those boys better be fit and frisky come june or… or… i don’t know. domenech will have to pull a rabbit out of a hat or something.
That maybe true JP, but we know better than to look at it like that, no? Our defense was excellent throughout qualifying. Personally, I don’t see Sagnol starting…I really think it will show he’s short of fitness. If I’m not mistaken Clerc is the backup at right back and he’s played very well for France lately and Doms seems to like him. Nothing more really to say about Abidal, i know we’d like to see Evra in there, but he hasn’t done anything to really lose his starting spot.
I’m honestly not worried about Thuram playing poorly.
Let’s not forget Coupet is still a top 10 keeper.
What does worry me is that I actually find myself hoping a few guys get injured, like Sagnol, Toulalan, and Abidal/Vieira to a certain extent, which really frustrates me, as it seems that’s the only way some of these other guys, like Flamini/Evra, will a get a real shot at playing.
true, sagnol isn’t guaranteed to start… but, while we have been strong defensively, i’m still not too confident.
but then, the same has been said countless (and i do mean countless) times about dirty italian defenses, as their defenders get old – but their defence has never been bad.
so perhaps its something to do with a defensive philosophy too? a mindset. which we seem to have come to grips with?
i certainly hope so – and playing in a group with romania, holland and the dirty italians, with our defense looking the shabbiest it has done for a long time, that’ll be the best test of that theory.
i’d definitely prefer to see clerc and evra having some game time. i think they could inject a lot of energy and bit more stability into our backline.
i know what you mean about wishing injuries on players. its terrible. but there doesn’t seem to be any other way that these guys will make the starting xi.
or…! hang on! i know just the thing. lets stage a photo where vieira, sagnol and toulalan are seen with pires and guily, who domenech hates so much! haha! that’ll get them dropped!
Thanks for the warm welcome back, Stephane!
I can only back up Phil’s comment about the demand for informative, analyzing (and not only news-repeating) blogs about Les Bleus in english. You two(?) are doing an awesome job!
It’s good to see the attacking options France has this time. I can’t wait to see Benzema, and hopefully Nasri will set the Euros on fire as well before he comes to Arsenal
I agree that the area we should probably worry most about is defence. While I fell that the two centre backs could go through this tournament without any further problems (Thuram has always played well for France, and obviously Gallas still has it in him as well), I am not too sure about Abidal. It’s a shame that Evra does not get his chance, as he had an excellent season with Man Utd. I am really worried about the right back spot of course. As you guys said, Sagnol is nowhere near a starting spot – quality wise and probably fitness wise as well. Clerc is a decent player, but the way Sagna played the last two seasons neither Clerc nor Sagna would come near this spot again. Gutted.
Yup it’s Jean-Pierre and me!
Yeah this could be Nasri’s big chance…funny enough, JP and I were just talking about Nasri possibly joining Arsenal…we’re both excited by the prospect but also a bit worried as it seems him and Fabregas play similar roles…so where would Nasri play? Wenger also has a habit of limiting young players in their first season with the club (Sagna might be a bit of an exception).
The last thing I’d (and we think i speak for us all) want is for Nasri to sit on the bench…he needs games! Though you don’t go out an spend £13.5 million on a bench player, that’s for sure!
Could also be an “insurance policy” should Cesc decide to leave.
Yup, real shame about Sagna missing out. I really don’t know why Doms is wasting his time with Sagnol…hopefully he’ll prove us wrong.
I am not sure what you mean with Wenger limiting young players in their first season?
What I am sure about though is that if Wenger would buy Nasri, it would not be for the bench. He’s way too economical for that! There are two opportunities:
In a 4-5-1, Nasri would play behind the lone striker, like Hleb did in a couple of games last season. Wenger was forced to play like this because he had only one striker for some games, but he also seemed to like this formation, besides being forced to play it.
In a 4-4-2, Nasri would have to play on the wings, basically the same position Hleb and Rosicky play, who are originally playing centrally behind the strikers as well.
There would be a lot of opportunities for Nasri (and Walcott, who will be played on the wing regularly as well) to play, because Rosicky was extremely injury prone in the last seasons, and Hleb could leave Arsenal (more likely if Nasri comes in if you ask me) before next season.
You can be sure that there are few teams (probably not a single one) that are better places for talented, hard-working (french
) players with a good character to develop than under the wings of Wenger at Arsenal.
Just an addition, to make it clear:
4-4-2 is the more regular formation at Arsenal, where Hleb and Rosicky, originally playing a position similar to Nasri’s, are forced out on the wings as well. That’s where I would see Nasri at Arsenal most of the times.
by limiting i meant like how Wenger has handled Walcott, and some of the other young kids, playing them here and there…although i fully see that Nasri’s situation would be different because he’s more established than when Walcott came to Arsenal and certainly more established than some of the other young Arsenal guys.
Yeah what you say about Nasri playing the “Hleb” position makes a lot of sense.
Now I got your point about Walcott. I can see where you are coming from, but I also know that for Wenger it’s part of the education of young players to play them “out of position”. Regarding your example Walcott, he said it would help Theo in the future if he had to play on the wing, because he’d be used to a lot of defensive duties then, tracking back and stuff like that. Makes sense to me, although I see your point.
Although Nasri is more established, his positional change would be to play on the wing rather than in centre midfield.
Arsenal is said to be in contact with Ben Arfa as well – what do you think about him? I can’t see both, Nasri and Ben Arfa, coming, and I have the feeling that while Ben Arfa would be more the natural winger Arsenal is looking for, Nasri is way more mature and established. Ben Arfa is a really exciting player, but I think transfer wise he’d be a gamble in comparison to Nasri.
i think diarra found his role pretty limiting at arsenal if you ask me…
and i don’t know how good idea it would be to see nasri out on the wing.
on the surface of it a move to arsenal is obviously a great idea – but there has to be space for the nas.
Well, Diarra had a Flamster in front of him that was absolutely on fire. You can’t expect to walk in a team like Arsenal, and Diarra must have known this. In addition to that, if he would have been just a little more patient, he would be the number one right now. I don’t blame Diarra for leaving, he just wanted to play more often, and that’s fine with me, especially with the Euros ahead. But Wenger gave him his chances, and if he thought that he would take his spot at Arsenal right away (he already failed to do at Chelsea), he was clearly wrong and pretty naive.
There are no hard feelings from my side towards Diarra, but I don’t think that Wenger has done anything wrong as well.
About Nasri on the wing – I guess you guys know him better than I do. I don’t know the Nas (I like this nickname in turn
) too well, I am not sure about him on the wing. I guess he could adapt to this role though. Firstly, others, like Hleb and Rosicky, managed to adapt to the positional change as well. Secondly, he would not play the classical position extremely out on the wing, but get in the middle pretty often.
Great to see you gentlemen are up for it this summer. No Clichy! Outrageous. I’m sharpening my knives for Domenech if he bottles this thing.
Check out a piece I just did on Mandanda.
Good analysis. I agree about Mandanda being better than Landreau, but I’m not sure about Frey. He’s done some amazing stuff for Fiorentina. I think if Mandanda gets the nod after Coupet retires, it will be largely because he plays in France. (Assuming Domenech still has a job after Euros. If not, all bets are off.)
I do have to disagree about Toulalan, though, up to a point. He’s been amazing at Lyon, but this hasn’t always translated to being amazing for France. He hasn’t made the jump quite yet. But with the greying hair, it’s easy to forget he’s only twenty-four. I’m not sure this will be his tournament, but I see him coming into his own for 2010.
Who would you play instead of Malouda? And who would your dream back four be?
Also, Boumsong has been much better since he moved to Lyon, but I’m still not sure he’s NT material. But he seems to be another one Domenech has a soft spot for.
Hello,
I’m new to the site but appreciate the fact that I’m not the only one with Euro fever right now. Instead of Malouda we could try Govou, Ribery,Ben Arfa, and we could probably even sprinkle in Evra on the left wing and get a better result. I would include Nasri but I haven’t seen much of him on the wings so not too sure. Toulalan is the heir apparent to Makelele and done a solid job clogging up the middle. I think he’s earned his spot more than others on the squad.
If my non-existing French skills don’t mislead me completely, L’Equipe reveals in todays issue that Nasri has signed for Arsenal for €15m?
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2008/20080521_001506_nasri-arsenal-c-est-boucle_Dev.html
KOLO TOURE:
yes, diarra did sort of find himself behind flamini, but there are two points here. one, that at the start of the season flamini wasn’t yet on fire (he kind of slowly ignited as the season went along). flamini wasn’t the hot property at that stage that he is now – his place in the squad (nevermind the first team) was very much in the balance.
the other is that flamini played a somewhat different role to diarra, in that diarra has traditionally played a more defensive role, whereas flamini’s role was more of an attacking one. so, i don’t think they were like-for-like replacements.
but then it wasn’t just flamini diarra was behind, it was diaby too. so diarra really didn’t have too many opportunities. now the reason why i bring up diarra in relation to the nas is because when diarra moved he was a name when he moved to arsenal and the heir-apparent to makelele. he also cost a lot more than diaby and flamini. simply put, wenger bought an expensive (by his standards) and already established player in diarra.
and yet he still didn’t make the team.
i totally agree that had diarra waited he’d be first choice right now, but he didn’t have a guarantee and didn’t fancy waiting. i wouldn’t have.
whatever the reason for diarra not being picked, as a precedent the situation simply bothers me with regards to nasri, because as i see he it, his role would be too similar to fabregas’, and i wouldn’t want him to wait and pay his dues first.
stephane may be right, the nas could be back-up should fabregas leave, but thats dangerous, ’cause fab may not leave.
all this may be moot, of course, since wenger may well see a way of accomodating both nasri and fabregas that would suite both their styles.
he could play them both side-by-side in the midfield (which would mean a lone striker up-front). your idea of him playing on the wing, and cutting in, isn’t the worst of ideas. especially since nasri is quick, so he could probably adapt.
and you’re right – hleb has adapted very well to that role. it took him a while, but now he looks really good in the system. with rosicky the verdict is still out. thus far he hasn’t shown anything like the form he’s showed for the czech republic or dortmund.
however, in terms of france, the one thing we don’t need is another winger and the one thing we desperately need is a creative midfielder who plays in the centre of the park. ’cause you can count that amount of those we have on one finger. its nasri. he’s the only centre mid we have.
so we need him in the centre and we need him in starting xi’s…
ah, this is excellent debating with you about this kolo! really cool. i’m getting so excited about the euros now – and not just that, the french team itself, imaging how its going to shape up as these young players come of age…
JEFF:
yeah, we’re very much up for it! we’ve been waiting for it… well, since the end of the world cup!
very weird to see no clichy! he must be the form left back for france at the moment. i wouldn’t have started him, but i would’ve made him second choice behind evra – just ’cause evra has more experience. and then i would’ve given a few sub appearances to clichy and hopefully a start in a friendly or easier game.
but i guess its realistic he’s not been picked, we can’t expect 3 players to go over for left back. still, clichy has been amazing.
and its especially irksome not seeing clichy there with the season abidal has had for barca – and he hasn’t exactly been setting the world alight for france either!
as for domenech, he certainly hasn’t made any friends while he’s been in the job and his ass his most definitely grass should france not get through the groups!
that said, stephane and i have actually grown rather fond of domenech through our frustration. its partly because he is so disliked and quite dislikable, and yet hasn’t bent to anyone. that must show some character!
in the way an anti-hero becomes cool, we’ve grown to love our little thunderbirds man with his funny glasses and his bushy eyebrows and his “do i care”/evil genius look.
obviously its hugely frustrating with his formation sometimes looking wack and his stupid loyalty to his players, but we think that the way he coaches the team – as individuals – is probably quite good. there are some huge egos there to tame and then also that annoying french apathy – the “bof” syndrome. domenech seems to handle these things very well.
he’s by no means pliable and seems to lack common sense sometimes, but he has one of the most (if not the most) important characteristics to do this job, and thats strength of character and belief in himself.
tried to follow that link but it hasn’t worked… i’ll try and find the article via your profile!
morning all!
Yes that article from L’Equipe would suggest Nasri has signed with Arsenal. VERY interesting.
I think everybody’s made good points about him moving to London. If this is true (haven’t seen confirmation on BBC yet) then you’d have to think he’s going to play a lot, seeing as the reported cost is over £10m. Maybe this signals Hleb is really on his way out. If Nasri is going to slot into the first team I really hope it’s in a kind of roving role behind the striker(s). That’s the only way I see him progressing as a footballer and getting better for France.
Laurie: My thing about Toulalan is he hasn’t shown me much when playing for France, that we can’t get out of other players (who I think are better overall, i.e. Flamini and Diarra) and I think we need to become a more dynamic, attacking side, seeing as we have all this fire power. And Toulalan, in my mind, doesn’t fit into that way of playing. I think the real problem is Domenech insists on playing with 2 defensive mids. If Vieira is “fit” (and I use that term loosely) than he starts. But a fit Vieira is still an aging Vieira and one who I haven’t seen get consistently up the pitch since the World Cup. So, he’s practically a defensive mid in terms of his position. And then it seems that either Maks or Toulalan starts alongside him, both obviously pretty classic holding mids/defensive mids…so we’re stuck with 2 players in the middle of the pitch, both of whom don’t get forward much, thus hindering our attack. Now, if the player in Vieira’s role is really getting forward and into the opposition’s 18 yard box, then by all means have a defensive mid behind him. And if that defensive mid is Toulalan, ok, well I wouldn’t mind that so much (though I’d prefer to see Flamini at this point). SO my problem isn’t so much with Toulalan as with the system that Doms uses.
Now who would I play instead of Malouda…tough question…I’m not 100% sure if Govou can play on the left…in fact I don’t think he does…you could stick L. Diarra there though, he’s played there before. However, I’m not convinced his crosses are better then Malouda’s nor his finishing skills. NO, the left mid spot is a real concern for me. If anything, I want Malouda to really step up and show some fire and go all out. I think he’s gotten too comfortable there…I don’t think Ben Arfa is a solution right now as he can’t last 90mins in an international game.
Dream back four…I assume you mean for France…well for me, right now it’s Gallas and Thuram in the middle, Evra on the left and Sagna on the right. I’m completely mystified as to how Doms could leave Sagna off. Well not completely, ha, I expect these sort of bizarre decisions from him!
Jean-Michel, welcome to the blog! Your idea of Evra on the left is interesting, I hadn’t thought about it!
Jeff, welcome back! I tried that link but it went to a sort of blank page…
yeah ditto to what JP said about Doms. I love how he doesn’t take crap from no one, and I think the whole juggling off superstar egos must be very difficult…also you NEVER hear players complaining about him (well except the few he’s exiled, but then you expect that from them). In fact, they all seem to support him and enjoy playing for him. Of course his tactics sometimes leave me highly annoyed…but he has gotten results (though I know that’s not necessarily a reason to keep him on, though I don’t think he should stay on–for now!).
Yeah you gotta love his classic French expressions!
JEAN-MICHEL:
glad you’ve dropped by. and yeah, you’re definitely not the only one gripped by euro fever!
govou isn’t a bad call on the wing. i’d welcome anyone really – just to give malouda a kick up his backside. malouda is such a frustrating player to watch, ’cause he’s so talented but so apathetical. hopefully being dropped would galvanize him a bit.
failing that govou is a good replacement. i also wouldn’t mind seeing ben arfa in there. he’s got pace and he’s real hungry.
ribery would probably work really work in that position, but we need him in a more central role as he’s become the fulcrum to our attacks.
i see the argument for toulalan and he’s certainly played well for lyon. he hasn’t impressed me for france, though… lets hope this tournament sees him step up to the plate.
how have you found him? have you thought he’s been good for france?
as for the left-wing issue, stephane. i’m not particularly worried. unless malouda wakes up this tournament i’d be happy to see him go.
before malouda we had pires on the left and he couldn’t cross the ball with his left foot. but he was excellent for france. england have joe cole and he’s very good there too. so i don’t think a left foot is necessarily a pre-requisite (although it does help!).
i think if the player is skillful and can pass other players then that could be enough.
yeah but who? that’s what worries me. I think Govou is better on the right, slashing in. and I think Ribs, as you say is better in the middle. If anything Doms plays him on the right (well as far as the lineup is concerned). So we’re kinda stuck with Malouda.
7 players to be cut are: S. Mandanda, J-A. Boumsong, P. Mexes, A. Diarra, M. Flamini, B. Gomis and S. Nasri. I would prefer for Ben Arfa to be amongst the 7 players to be cut but for unfortunately he is one of Domenech’s “players”. I don’t rate him at all…he hasn’t been in Lyon’s starting 11 for over 3 months now. He fell out with half of the team & the coach and got relegated to the bench for not being a team player. I’m not denying that he has some qualities…he has a lot of pace and he is really good at taking on players but he needs to grow up!
I’m really disappointed not to see Rothen in the list, he’s been outstanding for PSG all season. Malouda and Ben Arfa have been picked ahead of Rothen when the former has been disappointing all season with Chelsea (and lost his place in the starting eleven) and the latter…well I just don’t think he’s good enough to be included in the squad. Ribéry can also play on the left so at least we have a few options.
I’m worried about our midfield, it’s definitely our weakest link. I guess we’ll find out pretty soon…
wow, bold words Annabelle!
That is not good to hear about Ben Arfa…I hope Doms has his ear to the ground, we can’t have punks messing up team chemistry (which is usually one of our strong points). Though you’d think the likes of Henry, Vieira, Thuram, Gallas, would sort him out!
Yeah it’s interesting about Nasri, he hasn’t had a great season…and was not included in some of the big qualifying games towards the end of the season…
Jean Pierre:
I see your two points about Diarra. Except the point that Diaby was also in front of him, which is wrong in my eyes. Diaby had to play on the left wing from time to time and that’s it, I can’t remember a game he played DM, maybe a single one at the end of the season. But besides that you’re right – Flamini was not on fire at the his first, say, 3-4 games of the season. After that he was just unbeatable. It’s right that he’s more offensive than Diarra, but Flamini did an awesome job and, most importantly, got along brilliant with Fabregas. Diarra got most of the Carling Cup games, which I admit is not really satisfying.
), but I’d say there are few places that serve the development of a young player better right now.
But let’s not loose ourselves in discussions about Diarra and Flamini, because I have no doubt that Nasri’s role at Arsenal will be completely different. Diarra came for 2m I guess, which is not expensive, not even for Wenger’s standards. It was just a top bargain, and maybe that alone played a big role for Wenger to take the opportunity and get him?
In contrary to that, Nasri is a major transfer for Arsenal. He won’t spend too much time on the bench*, which does not mean that there will be no competition at all of course. His competitors for a starting spot will be Eboue, Walcott, Vela, Rosicky and Hleb though.
Eboue = shite,
Walcott = very promising, will get a fair share of games on the wing,
Vela = another promising player that comes back from loan and is expected to get in the first team next season, will play mostly as a striker though,
Rosicky = injured most of the time,
Hleb = plays regular, could leave before next season though.
I am confident that Nasri will play a lot of games. He will definitely not play Fabregas’ role though (besides maybe replacing him for some games to give him a rest), and Fabregas won’t leave Arsenal in the next years. I am pretty sure about that. In addition to that, there’s a certain 17 year old Fran Merida Perez in the Arsenal youth system who is said to be the Fabregas successor when the time has come.
So, luckily for Nasri, there’s no Fabregas in front of him in the picking order. Instead, as I already said, he will play the same role as Hleb: Most of the time on the wing, cutting in the middle, and sometimes in the centre behind a lone striker.** That may not be the position Nasri is needed in for Les Bleus, but you can’t expect Wenger to care about that. Hleb and Rosicky are giving examples how you can play this role at your club and still be the central playmaker for your national team though. I would not worry too much about Nasri’s development and his role for the national team. As I said, he’ll play in one of the very very best leagues in the world at a team that has an extreme highly developed playing culture. You can’t expect Arsenal to adapt their system to him (yet?
I have to give you the compliment back, it’s absolutely great to debate with you (and you other guys!) about this, I love it! Looking at the length and the quality of the comments, maybe it’s time to set up a forum at this blog? Just a suggestion though.
As I write this, I can’t wait for the Euros to begin (and, after that, to see Nasri in the Premier League!).
God, hopefully we don’t find ourselves with a hangover on June 17th because Italy kicked France out of the group stages!
*Especially not if Hleb leaves.
**How often the latter version will be the case depends on how long van Persie can stay fit next season.
STEPHANE:
govou has something of free-ish role when he plays. he plays just off the striker and while he does spend a lot of his time on the right wing he can and does play on the left. if you think back, we’ve often seen him playing for france and switching back and forth from left to right, like an annoying little whippet.
True but he got injured at the start of the season, it took him a while to get back to full fitness but he’s played really well for Marseille lately. He can create & score goals and he’s a pretty decent free kick taker.
I’m just annoyed at some of Domenech’s choices, I feel he’s picking some players for the wrong reasons. He should pick the best and most performing French players around and I don’t think he has.
that’s true he does run around all over the pitch…so does Ribs. I suppose that would work!
AHHHHHHH im getting really pumped for the Euros!!!
That’s spot on Kolo T. I agree, there should be opportunities for Nasri should he move to the Arsenal. I’d say more, but I think you’ve said it all!
ANNABELLE:
are we gonna meet up to watch some of these games. i like having you grumbling in my ear when i watch france!
i echo stephane’s sentiments about ben arfa. one imagines domenech would be able to sort that out, what with his ridiculous witch hunt against pires for being a negative influence!!
i agree with you about rothen – it is a big shame, especially considering the form of the other players in that position. to my mind he’s the best french crosser of the ball.
for rothen’s sake and for france’s i really hope psg get their act together next season and that then rothen will get noticed more.
yeah, ribs could play left, but what with our attack being so fragile (mainly because of our weak midfield) i wouldn’t want to mess with anything regarding ribery. from now on he’s gotta wear exactly the same clothes, eat the same food and play in the same position until the end of the euros.
as for the nas, if he’s coming into form now then this is the perfect time to play him. look at the reports in germany regarding ballack – they’re regarding his injury lay-off mid-season as a god-send (too many hyphens there!!). granted, nasri isn’t in the class of ballack, but the fact is that he’s in form now and fresh!
and how many other centre mids do we have? ’cause i’m just counting one.
ANNABELLE:
but yeah, no doubt, he’s definitely picking players based upon misplaced loyalties. and its very frustrating!
KOLO TOURE:
what a response! i can’t argue with your logic.
i guess the nas would be something of a bigger transfer for arsenal than diarra was, so one would imagine wenger has a place for him.
diarra and the nas are most definitely not in similar roles, but what bothers me is the precedent. although, as you said, the nas is a bigger signing than diarra was. still, diarra was an established name and highly rated…
i guess i’m just really concerned for nasri’s well-being as i see him being very very important for france. wenger may not care about nasri’s preferred position, but i do, ’cause it affects france.
still, as you say, arsenal are a top team and the prem is an excellent league, so if he can carve a place and keep it, it should help his development as a player. and arsenal are such a fluid team and are very good at accomodating players and adapting them (if needs be) to their style. and playing in that beautiful cut-and-thrust, weaving style of arsenal’s can only improve his game!
i guess i just don’t want to see him struggle out of position and suffer a drop in form as a result.
all this interaction is really getting me excited for the euros! oh dear. i really can’t wait now…! and yeah, its starting to look like we could do with a forum!
yeah, lets hope we have a good euro. i reckon we’ll do well in the group. we should do. thats the funny thing with france, they’re always good against the top teams, its the average or dark-horse teams that cause us problems!
Yep defo! Are you going to make the trip to Oxford for some of the games? I can’t wait….I won’t be here for Italy-France though cos I’ll actually be in France for that game (yey!) but you can count on me for all the other games (incl. Sunday 29th!). I hope the friendlies will be shown on TV, it would be good to watch France in action before the Euro.
Unfortunately for Rothen it was problably his last chance to play in a major tournament with France, he’s just about to turn 30 so probably too old for the next world cup. Domenech is unlikely to select a 32 year old player who’s never played for France in a major tournament. I can’t wait for the next Championnat to start, the last two seasons have been a real nightmare. Hopefully they’ll be a big shake up within the team this summer, Le Guen has to go, we need to keep our key players (Diané, Armand, Yepes, Mendy) and we have to make some decent signing…
The French cup final between PSG and Lyon is this Saturday, should be a good game and you never know…Toulalan and Ben Arfa might get injured! ;o)
Stephane,
I understand your beef/non beef with Toulalan. I think he’s adequately played the role he’s been asked to play. Domenech has definitely had a focus on defense and its rare when Toulalan has an attacking role. Viera does come forward when healthy and anything to bolster the attack is great because it needs all the help it can get.
JP,
With the non selection of Rothen it kinda limits our options on the left wing. I agree Ribery needs to probably play the exact same game he plays in Bayern which is usually behind Toni. Malouda showed signs in the last friendly but all that time on the Chelsea bench can’t be good…
Ha, yeah..I can definitely see Thuram getting first dibs on issuing out a “coaching session” with Ben Arfa should he dare step out of line.
JP – You can find that link on Mandanda here:
http://france.worldcupblog.org/
One thing I’m taking out of this discussion is that some people think it was a mistake to overlook Rothen. He can put in a good cross, but PSG as a team were relegation fodder, so his club’s record could have put a question into Domenech’s head.
Jeff…I agree with you, Rothen paid the price for PSG awful season but then again what about Landreau? He has been far from outstanding for PSG and he did costs us a few points in Le Championnat. Domenech would rather pick a player who has been in poor form all season or used as a sub but plays for at top five team than a player who performing well week in week out and who’s always on the starting 11.
[...] out these France bloggers. They only post around big events for Les Bleus, but they have a lot to say (fairly obsessive about [...]
ANNABELLE:
i’ll definitely be making the trip – we’re actually quite near to oxford, with the village being right next to Wolvercote. Its about 15 mins. drive into the city centre.
i hope some friendlies will be shown, but it’ll probably only be on eurosport (if at all)… and not many (if any) places have that…!
i fear you’re right about rothen’s chances to make the team… although i still hold out hope…
JP…I have Eurosport UK, Eurosport 2, Setanta and TV5 (a French channel) at home so hopefully one of the channels will show the games. If it’s the case then you all welcome to come round my house and watch the friendlies.
Glad to hear you’ll be making the trip to Oxford for the games, I hope they’ll be a bunch of us around for the games….The more the merrier! I can’t wait for the Euro to start, I’m so excited!
hooray!
if you’ll have me then i’d love to come over and watch a friendly!
and yeah, i hope there will be loads coming to the games too. there were at o’neills during the world cup where this guy with an old french rugby jersey was doing his best tom cruise impression and jumping on the table and throwing his hand up!
must be a small-man syndrome thing…
It’ll be my pleasure!…unfortunately Eurosport’s definitely not showing Tuesday’s game. Eurosport UK is showing the under 21 semi-final and the Eurosport 2 Roland Garros. Our last hope is TV5! Or maybe the European bar in town, apparently they show a lot of European games including friendlies. I’ll go and ask tomorrow.
I’m not a big fan of O’Neills I have to say (or any pubs in town for that matter). We’re more likely to go to a pub in the Cowley/Iffley area like the Oxford Blue, the City Arms or the Magdalen Arms.
Game’s not on TV but we can watch it on the internet (found a website streaming the game). Steph and you are welcome to come round…
JP…Game’s not on TV but we can watch it on the internet (found a website streaming the game). Steph and you are welcome to come round…
I’m glad to have found a site with such great analysis of Les Bleus! It’s going in my favourites! Can’t believe the fact that Clichy and Sagna are not in the squad, find it amazing…leaving out Clichy is a real mistake, he has been consistently top quality this season. Just wanted to ask…any idea when the official squad number for Les Bleus for Euro2008 come out? I’m thinking of getting Nasri on my shirt, but I’m not sure what number he will wear…
Tomrrow I believe, when the official squad for the Euro 2008 will be revealed. Nasri might not make it to the final squad though…
Hi Ethan!
Glad you like it!
The official squad will be announced tomorrow. we’ll post about it as soon as we can.
yeah we’re all pretty bummed neither clichy or sagna got a chance to prove they could be in the squad…
stay tuned till tomorrow!
yeah hopfully Nasri makes it…
Fingers crossed for Nasri, will check here tomorrow to see…keep up the good work!
Annabelle, you said earlier about watching the game streamed online, any chance you have a link?
Yep there you go: http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/tue27.5/France_Ecuador.html
Good audio and video…
Interesting starting 11! Nasri is wearing no 11…
Gomis was awesome tonight and scored two wonderful goals….Cissé looked really worried on the touchline.
France dominated the whole game but looked a lot sharper and dangerous in the 2nd when Gomis and Flamini came on.
Great game from Nasri too, I really hope he’ll be in the squad for the Euro 08.
The 7 players are: Landreau, Escudé, Mexes, A. Diarra, Flamini, Ben Arfa, Cissé…
I can’t believe Madanda, Boumsong and Squillaci made it to the final squad! I was expecting at least Landreau and Escudé to be in the squad. Mexes is injured so no surprise there.