France National Team callups ** SPOILERS **

[Allez.les.bleus]

Raymond Domenech a communiqué sa liste de 36 joueurs pour les matchs amicaux RD Congo-France A' et Espagne-France, les mardi 5 et mercredi 6 février. Clichy, Menez et Mandanda sont appelés pour la première fois, Trezeguet est de nouveau écarté.

GARDIENS DE BUT
Grégory COUPET (Lyon) - 35 ans - 27 sélections
Sébastien FREY (Fiorentina) - 27 ans - 1 sélection
Mickaël LANDREAU (PSG) - 28 ans - 11 sélections
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 22 ans - 0 sélection

DEFENSEURS
Eric ABIDAL (FC Barcelone) - 28 ans - 31 sélections
Jean-Alain BOUMSONG (Lyon) - 28 ans - 22 sélections
François CLERC (Lyon) - 24 ans - 9 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Julien ESCUDE (FC Séville) - 28 ans - 5 sélections
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 26 ans - 9 sélections
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 30 ans - 59 sélections
Gaël GIVET (Marseille) - 26 ans - 12 sélections
Philippe MEXES (AS Rome) - 25 ans - 8 sélections
Bakari SAGNA (Arsenal) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Willy SAGNOL (Bayern Munich) - 30 ans - 53 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (Lyon) - 27 ans - 12 sélections
Lilian THURAM (FC Barcelone) - 36 ans - 136 sélections

MILIEUX DE TERRAIN
Abou DIABY (Arsenal) - 21 ans - 2 sélections
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 26 ans - 12 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Portsmouth) - 22 ans - 9 sélections
Mathieu FLAMINI (Arsenal) - 23 ans - 1 sélection
Claude MAKELELE (Chelsea) - 34 ans - 65 sélections
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 27 ans - 34 sélections
Samir NASRI (Marseille) - 20 ans - 7 sélections
Franck RIBERY (Bayern Munich) - 24 ans - 24 sélections
Jérôme ROTHEN (PSG) - 29 ans - 13 sélections
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 24 ans - 9 sélections
Patrick VIEIRA (Inter Milan) - 31 ans - 104 sélections

ATTAQUANTS
Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 28 ans - 43 sélections
Hatem BEN ARFA (Lyon) - 20 ans - 4 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Lyon) - 20 ans - 8 sélections
Jimmy BRIAND (Rennes) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Djibril CISSE (Marseille) - 26 ans - 35 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 28 ans - 30 sélections
Thierry HENRY (FC Barcelone) - 30 ans - 97 sélections
Jérémy MENEZ (Monaco) - 19 ans - 0 sélection

http://www.football365.fr/la_une/story_218266_Bleus-La-liste-pour-le-Congo-et-l-Espagne.shtml

[talk2smc]

finally nice to see Mexes getting some more call ups. he deserves to shine on the international stage. but for domenech he could have been doing that for years.

and it makes complete sense to take Diarra and Vieira who havent played in forever over Guily. :rolleyes:

good ol' ray at it again. his record speaks for itself, but his call ups sure are interesting.

[roma_barca]

Yes :D I second your note, talk2smc.

At the end, Philippe Mexes is in the 36-people squad. But I bet to you he will play with the 2nd team.

I hope he will take him for the EURO in june. Honestly, last time in Wordl Cup 2006, he could have been in the team with the season he made, but Ray prefered to call Givet.

My Good Old God, we don't look football the same way :D:D with Raymond ;)

[TheLionLyon]

Yes :D I second your note, talk2smc.

At the end, Philippe Mexes is in the 36-people squad. But I bet to you he will play with the 2nd team.

I hope he will take him for the EURO in june. Honestly, last time in Wordl Cup 2006, he could have been in the team with the season he made, but Ray prefered to call Givet.

My Good Old God, we don't look football the same way :D:D with Raymond ;)

Actually, he called up Chimbonda (who btw hasn't been called up since) instead of Mexes or Guily. This roster is obviously his conditional squad for EURO 2008. I don't see Mexes playing against Spain, but he might play against the Congo. The only call up that angered me was Lassana Diarra. Domenech should have given Bodmer a chance. Great to see Clichy finally get a shot, although I doubt he sees time with Abidal and Evra in front of him.

[cartbran]

Actually, he called up Chimbonda (who btw hasn't been called up since) instead of Mexes or Guily. This roster is obviously his conditional squad for EURO 2008. I don't see Mexes playing against Spain, but he might play against the Congo. The only call up that angered me was Lassana Diarra. Domenech should have given Bodmer a chance. Great to see Clichy finally get a shot, although I doubt he sees time with Abidal and Evra in front of him.

Raymond won't play Mexes against Congo. Raymond never does anything but play his "strongest 11" plus one or two whoppers that no one can understand. It doesn't matter that the friendly against Congo is rather worthless.

It will be interesting to see what becomes of Diarra. Because all his previous callups have been at RB. However Sagnol is back in the mix and for the life of me, I don't see how he could believe that Diarra is a better RB than Sagna.

[emma_my_girl]

I can definitely see Mexes starting against Congo DR. Unfortunately, there really is no room for him in Domenech's squad. He has come on strong at the wrong time.... I would love to see Clichy come in...I think he is an instrumental part of Arsenal this season, and his dashes up the left flank would create more chances for the French. Coupet would obviously be his choice for starting goalkeeper. It will be interesting to see if Flamini will have a role against the Spanish at all. Would be cool to watch him and Gallas against Fabregas.
I would also love to see France put 3 up front at some point. There are, nonetheless the prospect of so many lethal combinations for strike partners. Anelka has become so dangerous finally for les Bleus. Henry and Benzema would have to be the choice strikers though. I think in a few years the French will also have the most prominent midfield in the World, with Ribery, Diaby and Nasri.
I think Domenech is already pretty sure of who will be in his final Euro squad, and is just giving a few players one last chance to prove their worth in these upcoming matches.

[Marcello™]

im sorry but your coach is a pain in the ass , exlude that im italian but.. the vieria situation your captain

hes been injured for the last who knoes ..mancini is slowly slowly giving him game time building his match fitness up slowly so no stupid injury will happen.. i can give great news that his perfomances have been great .. i just hope Domenech doesnt risk him you will need him the euro

[Whateverman]

I just wanted to thank Domenech, for not including Trezeguet.

[abc1]

Well the Gael Clichy call up has been a long time coming.

The French squad seem to be blessed with an array of talented left backs at the moment as well as in the u21 squad too.

[emma_my_girl]

I just wanted to thank Domenech, for not including Trezeguet.

Don't get me started on that guy...... :eek:

[roma_barca]

I do believe that people only watch EPL games, because if youlook what Mexes did in the last 400 days, there is no doubt that Boumsong, Escudé, Gallas or Thuram are not good enough.

OK, Thuram is solid starter with all his experience and successes. But if you look well, Mexes should have a chance now to proove that he can be combinates with him. I'm sorry for Gallas, but he is obviously INFERIOR.

[talk2smc]

I do believe that people only watch EPL games, because if youlook what Mexes did in the last 400 days, there is no doubt that Boumsong, Escudé, Gallas or Thuram are not good enough.

OK, Thuram is solid starter with all his experience and successes. But if you look well, Mexes should have a chance now to proove that he can be combinates with him. I'm sorry for Gallas, but he is obviously INFERIOR.

i agree. But him perhaps with Gallas is a scary defense. both technically great, physical defenders who can head the ball well and run all game.

but i think it is more that Domenech hates Italy, and thus wont select many players who play in Italy.
Frey was chosen, but probably wont ahead of Coupet if he is healthy.
Boumsong is at Lyon now but how he chooses him, i do not understand.
Vieira is stupid, guy hasnt played in months.
and then Mexes. and we all pretty much know Mexes wont play.

and another thing that frustrates me with him is how he just ignores Guily. and not with any real good reasons. He just says Guily isnt good enough to play on the NT. hmm..:rolleyes: Ray, Ray, Ray.

yes he always took Thuram, (when he was with Juve), but why now? hardly the best, and most intelligent French scouts know Mexes was being groomed for years as his national team replacement. way to go on that one Ray:rolleyes:

Like i said before- Domenech's record speaks for it self, but his selections are ridiculous.

[Inara47]

I always find it so amusing that Italian NT fans take the exclusions of Mexes and Trezeguet so personally. You're almost think they were Les Bleus fans at heart.

[talk2smc]

I always find it so amusing that Italian NT fans take the exclusions of Mexes and Trezeguet so personally. You're almost think they were Les Bleus fans at heart.

i just dont understand how the best French players hardly make it on to the NT which one would logically think is the best players in their respective countries. particularly Mexes. it is solely due to Domenech's personality and aura of self proclaimed genius that he excludes someone who is talented and has no clear equal in the position. if he can cancel out Ibra, Trez himself, Ronaldo, Mutu, Amauri, Di Natale, and others most times they meet why cant he do that when each of those players represents their NT? (with the exception of Amauri who has yet to make a debut, and Trez cuz they wouldnt play each other obviously.)

[emma_my_girl]

why cant he do that when each of those players represents their NT?

Why does he insist on playing Clerc and Toulalan?

[TheLionLyon]

and another thing that frustrates me with him is how he just ignores Guily. and not with any real good reasons. He just says Guily isnt good enough to play on the NT. hmm.. Ray, Ray, Ray.

Domenech basically said there are better alternatives over Giuly, which sadly I agree. Although, I wouldn't mind seeing Giuly get in over Rothen.

Why does he insist on playing Clerc and Toulalan?

Clerc is currently in a battle with Lassana Diarra and Anthony Réveillère as back-up to Sagnol at right back. As for Toulalan, he's a star waiting to happen and don't let my OL bias confuse you. He does get the occasional yellow card, but what holding mid doesn't.

As for Trez, Domenech loves to hold grudges and Trez berating Domenech's tactics and his selection process didn't help him. Trez's rant did however finally got Ben Arfa his call-up so I thank him for that. :D

[emma_my_girl]

Clerc is currently in a battle with Lassana Diarra and Anthony Réveillère as back-up to Sagnol at right back. As for Toulalan, he's a star waiting to happen and don't let my OL bias confuse you. He does get the occasional yellow card, but what holding mid doesn't.

As for Trez, Domenech loves to hold grudges and Trez berating Domenech's tactics and his selection process didn't help him. Trez's rant did however finally got Ben Arfa his call-up so I thank him for that. :D

Hey, don't get me wrong- I am a big Lyon fan and love the way that Clerc and Toulalan fit in the club; I just don't see a future for either of them in the French national outfit. I can only see that Bakary Sagna is going to evolve as star at right back once Sagnol has used up his legs. As far as Toulalan is concerned, I do like him, but there are other up and comers in the French lineup who will squeeze him out indefinitely- Rio Antonio Mavuba, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby to be exact. Toulalan is solid, but as far as I am concerned, doesn't really excel in any one skill- something that the aforementioned players all have in common.

[TheLionLyon]

Hey, don't get me wrong- I am a big Lyon fan and love the way that Clerc and Toulalan fit in the club; I just don't see a future for either of them in the French national outfit. I can only see that Bakary Sagna is going to evolve as star at right back once Sagnol has used up his legs. As far as Toulalan is concerned, I do like him, but there are other up and comers in the French lineup who will squeeze him out indefinitely- Rio Antonio Mavuba, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby to be exact. Toulalan is solid, but as far as I am concerned, doesn't really excel in any one skill- something that the aforementioned players all have in common.

:D I forgot all about Sagna. I understand what you are saying, but Mavuba, Nasri (sort of) are right now struggling and with all national teams, you take the "what have you done for me lately" approach. Although, Domenech doesn't seem to understand that. Mavuba made a huge mistake going to Villarreal and probably won't get another cap until he makes (hopefully) his move to Lille official. However, I do see Diaby and Flamini maybe putting pressure on Toulalan now to succeed more, especially with Maka hanging it up soon. I know one thing, we have a stacked midfield.

[talk2smc]

Hey, don't get me wrong- I am a big Lyon fan and love the way that Clerc and Toulalan fit in the club; I just don't see a future for either of them in the French national outfit. I can only see that Bakary Sagna is going to evolve as star at right back once Sagnol has used up his legs. As far as Toulalan is concerned, I do like him, but there are other up and comers in the French lineup who will squeeze him out indefinitely- Rio Antonio Mavuba, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby to be exact. Toulalan is solid, but as far as I am concerned, doesn't really excel in any one skill- something that the aforementioned players all have in common.

im glad you brough up some of these players and i do agree with thelyonlion about some points. One Ben Arfa should be in period, whether that is at the expense of Trez tho...not sure. I like Ben Arfa better, but this is bc i hate Trez, but that doesnt mean he shouldnt be in the squad. Toulalan for me is decent, but i think he needs to prove himself a little more in a more competitive league, the midfield is stacked, which means you need to be at your best to keep your spot. I admire Mavuba and he is young, same said for Toulalan goes for him. Clerc...no. and Rothen over Guily..hmm...:rolleyes: agree on that thelyonlion

im so glad Donadoni doesnt have all this controversy with NT selections, but it is somewhat of a testament to choose a squad with talented players, so i understand that for the manager these are tough decisions, and someone is always going to sit out.

[roma_barca]

Okay okay...

The only thing that R.Domenech is maybe waiting for, is a big rush of good games by Mexes, a good campaign in C.League :rolleyes:, because he can do more than he did today :D - or more seriousely last 3 months :cool:

There is no comparison with Gallas, but the competitions those months shall proove who deserve the place in the final list (or even more in the starting 11). :):):)

[Inara47]

i just dont understand how the best French players hardly make it on to the NT which one would logically think is the best players in their respective countries. particularly Mexes. it is solely due to Domenech's personality and aura of self proclaimed genius that he excludes someone who is talented and has no clear equal in the position. if he can cancel out Ibra, Trez himself, Ronaldo, Mutu, Amauri, Di Natale, and others most times they meet why cant he do that when each of those players represents their NT? (with the exception of Amauri who has yet to make a debut, and Trez cuz they wouldnt play each other obviously.)

Well, look at who is blocking Trezeguet: Henry, Anelka, and Benzema. Those three deserve to be on the NT just as much. And at the end of the day, it's a question of tactics. If three of the four strikers you have can fit into the system you prefer, you aren't going to change it around just to accommodate a single one. And don't forget that Trezeguet was called up to several games last year and didn't score. He had his chance, and with the Euros this close, Domenech doesn't have time to experiment. He has to go with what has been working, and that's been Henry, Anelka, and Benzema.

As for Mexes, I suspect part of the reason Domenech doesn't trust him is because of the fact that he's a messy defender - he picks up cards a lot, gets sent off more than any other French defender, and it's what you'd call a smooth and tactically efficient player, which is what Domenech wants his team to be. He wants players that fit together and play well together. It could be that Mexes just doesn't fit into the set up of the rest of the team. Maybe he isn't serious at practice, who knows?

It's not about Domenech hating Italy. Domenech didn't pick Mexes before the WC. He dropped Trezeguet six months after the WC, half a year into Euro qualifiers. Vieira, the captain of his team, players for Inter. As for Frey, Domenech has said time and again that there is a hierarchy, and until Coupet messes up time after time, he won't change that. It wouldn't matter if Frey played for Arsenal. Coupet is #1 and that's the end of that.



Hey, don't get me wrong- I am a big Lyon fan and love the way that Clerc and Toulalan fit in the club; I just don't see a future for either of them in the French national outfit. I can only see that Bakary Sagna is going to evolve as star at right back once Sagnol has used up his legs. As far as Toulalan is concerned, I do like him, but there are other up and comers in the French lineup who will squeeze him out indefinitely- Rio Antonio Mavuba, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby to be exact. Toulalan is solid, but as far as I am concerned, doesn't really excel in any one skill- something that the aforementioned players all have in common.

First of all, Nasri and Diaby are not DMs. They are more suited to attacking roles, which is where their talents should be utilized. As for Mavuba, he was rightly pushed off the pecking order by Toulalan last year after he moved to Villareal and watched his form plummet, so he's going to have to work really hard to get back into the NT.

Toulalan is an immense player, probably the most underrated player on Lyon's side, the most consistent, and the most reliable. He is just as important as Benzema, so don't be fooled by the fact that he doesn't seem to do anything amazing. The beauty of his role is that he doesn't let anyone else do anything amazing either. He's performed well in the Champions League and for the NT, so all this nonsense of proving himself in another league is irrelevant in this discussion (which is specifically about how a player is for his NT), especially if you're going to accept other L1 players.

I don't know what you mean by his not excelling in any skill when he is so good at doing what he's supposed to do - being a DM. Domenech isn't asking him to be a playmaker, he's asking him to distribute the ball in midfield, protect the back four, effectively use long passes, and break up opposition play.

Domenech is giving everyone a fair chance - Diarra, Toulalan, Mavuba, Flamini, etc. He's choosing the one he feels is best for the job and who works best with the already established players. Of course, Toulalan will have to work to keep his place, but it's unfair to think that he doesn't deserve it when in fact he deserves more recognition that he receives.

As for Sagna and Clerc, right now, Sagna seems like a better player, but Sagnol was a late bloomer, as Clerc is turning out to be. He's been getting better and better, and Domenech obviously sees something in him to keep selecting him repeatedly. So you shouldn't write him off so easily.

[talk2smc]

It's not about Domenech hating Italy.



Yes it most certainly is, Domenech himself would admit that.

But as for all the selection issues, disagree with Henry, Anelka, Benzema. Only two deserve to be there. Check out the other one who doesnt score. :rolleyes:

and as for Mexes, most people say that when they havent seen him play a single game. (the whole lot about him being sloppy:rolleyes:)

but again i reiterate it doesnt much matter as, no matter how shitty Domenech is, which is alot, he still ends up getting wins a ton. so one can only question him so much i suppose.

[Inara47]

Yes it most certainly is, Domenech himself would admit that.

Domenech likes to make his disdain known to the press, but he doesn't select players based on that. Or he wouldn't call up any Italian player. It wouldn't shock anyone if he dropped Mexes and replaced Frey with someone like Lloris or Mandanda, so if he based his selections on his likes and dislikes, it makes no sense for him to call up those players either or give Vieira the captaincy. And it's not because he's worried what people will think - we all know that Domenech doesn't care about that. And he also hates Arsene Wenger, but that doesn't stop him from picking a bunch of Arsenal players.

Because for Domenech, individuals aren’t what’s important. It’s all about the team. And that’s not a bad thing.


But as for all the selection issues, disagree with Henry, Anelka, Benzema. Only two deserve to be there. Check out the other one who doesnt score. :rolleyes:

Anelka has been scoring for the NT, and that's what Domenech cares about. Not who the top scorer is in a certain league. But whether they can do so for France. Henry just broke Platini's record. You can't leave him out. And Benzema is France's next young superstar and already looking like he'll eclipse Henry. Which one would you leave out in order to accommodate a player who can only function with a lot of service? Everyone knows we have poor crossers, so we need a player who can get the job done on his own if need be, someone who can set up plays by himself. It's not like Domenech can wave a wand and magically make players like Abidal and Ribery into good crossers who can make sure that Trezeguet gets first class service.

Just say France go to the Euros and lose - what are people going to say? That Domenech lost because he only took Henry, Benzema, Anelka, and Cisse (if he keeps scoring like he has been in recent weeks)? If France won't win the Euros, it won't be because Trezeguet wasn't invited along. It will be because of tactical rigidity, something that would render Trezeguet useless anyway.


and as for Mexes, most people say that when they havent seen him play a single game. (the whole lot about him being sloppy:rolleyes:)

I don't watch Roma on a week to week basis and really don't care whether Mexes is in the team or not. But he does pick up more than his fair share of cards - that is what I meant as sloppy. Not that his play is sloppy. Just ask yourself how often France give away penalties? Anyway, I'm only repeating speculation found in forums. Maybe it's Philou's hair.

Like I said, it's more probably a matter of him not working well with the already established defense (Sagnol, Gallas, Thuram, Coupet, Abidal).


but again i reiterate it doesnt much matter as, no matter how shitty Domenech is, which is alot, he still ends up getting wins a ton. so one can only question him so much i suppose.

Yeah, at the end of the day, he gets results, so if he can win without Trezeguet, then that's fine. Besides the meaningless game against Ukraine and the friendly with Morocco, France rarely concede more than one goal. And they have lost something like only six games since Domenech took over - and that includes friendlies.

[talk2smc]

I know Domenech's record, i watch the French NT. which is what i keep stressing. The guy's an asshole. yes. but he wins. so France keep him.

it is quite apparent that you dont watch any football in Italy, and self admitedly not Roma. Mexes is not sloppy as you say. Roma have got 44 yellow cards in the campaign so far, and one red. thats the 4th best disciplinary record in the league. and Mexes does not get many at all. he currently has 5 and hasnt even been suspended yet due to accumulation. :rolleyes:
if you watched him you would know most of his cards come from dissent as he has a fiery personality, and not from his defensive tackling, which is impeccable.

and i certainly was not referring to Anelka. i was speaking of Henry who has struggled to fine form at Barca and has not scored very often.
Benzema's scoring record speaks for it self.
Henry has 6 goals in 16 appearances in La Liga which is decent i suppose, he did however score 7 in 8 appearances for France. but i remember quite a drought from him so i suspected he wouldnt be chosen.
Anelka had 10 goals in 18 appearances for Bolton, added another with Chelsea in the EPL so far, and scored 4 times in 5 appearances for Frances.

in this light i have to admit that i thought Henry scored too little, again im not advocating for Trez, just thought he found net a bit more than those guys, but it appears i was incorrect on that info, so kudos to you. :)

and i dont agree with your crossers. i cant vouch for Abidal, but Ribery???:confused: he goes on mazy runs, and gets into the box, and may do that better, but i have seen some pretty decent crosses from him thats for sure. he could cross like joe cole for england so be gald you have a player that can put it in the box. :o but that being said, only Anelka really is a big threat in the air, Henry and Benzema are going to want to ball at feet anyway.

[emma_my_girl]

It's not like Domenech can wave a wand and magically make players like Abidal and Ribery into good crossers who can make sure that Trezeguet gets first class service.

Clichy and Sagna are pretty good crossers ;)

[roma_barca]

Ok, before the thread come to a burn, I would add something :

1. Henry deserves the NT, even if the stats don't speak for him. He is in a new squad, new city, has needed some time and now he is giving a lot for Barcelona. So he deserves, without any doubt. It is also undoubtful that Trezegol didn't give his whole capacity to French NT, or that the NT squad isn't architectally organized to integer him.

2. As written up, Philou Mexes didn't receive a lot of yellow nor red the last 2 seasons. Indeed, he began his italian career with difficulties but it is the responsability of the National coach to look at improvments, no ? And If you do look well how he reduces the skills of the Lyon's strikers in CL last year (for the french who, like me, take some references watching the Ligue 1), there is no doubt about his skills and talent. Then if you want to know more about him, and you begin to watch Roma games in Serie A, you will easily discover that this kinda CL performances, he repeats it almost every week. Take the ball in the air, get the knowledge of defensive placment (in the most efficient european league for learning that), is tackling with virtue*****etc. Then it may be a problem of personality, but I think he can be fit in a team, just give him a chance, damn !

How can Givet, Boumsong, Squilacci can be compared to him ? This is pure non-sense.

And what could he have been learning playing near from Thuram after 2006 World Cup ? That - we will never know... But some kind of a transmission has failed, and it is only due to a mis-management. Sad. :(:(:(

[TheLionLyon]

AS the saying goes, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and the fact is that since the World Cup, the pairing of Thuram and Gallas have 9 wins 1 draw and 0 losses. Domenech has even had success playing Abidal in the center. I am all for Mexes playing, but right now Domenech just has no valid reason to start him.

[Inara47]

How can Givet, Boumsong, Squilacci can be compared to him ? This is pure non-sense.

You of course have seen Squillaci enough to decide that he's comparable to Givet and Boumsong? :rolleyes:

I won't say that Squillaci is as good as Mexes, but he's still a good player and IMO, had a better year last season than Cris at Lyon. This year isn't the best to judge him, with Coupet, Cris, Muller, and Anderson all getting injured, and with Grosso transparent as well. But he's still a good player and just as deserving of his spot on the NT.


Also, if anyone is interested, here is the A team and the A' team:

Les A face à l'Espagne (A): Coupet, Landreau - Sagnol, Clerc, Thuram, Gallas, Escudé, Abidal, Evra - Toulalan, Makelele, L. Diarra, Vieira (cap) - Govou, Anelka, Henry, Benzema, Malouda, Ben Arfa.

Les A' face à la RD Congo (A'): Lloris, Mandanda - Sagna, Boumsong, Squillaci, Mexes, Givet, Clichy - Flamini, A. Diarra, Nasri, Diaby, Rothen - Briand, Cissé, Ménez.


I'm not surprised that Nasri has been put on the A' team. This year hasn't been going well for him, with injuries and poor form.

[Whateverman]

I always find it so amusing that Italian NT fans take the exclusions of Mexes and Trezeguet so personally. You're almost think they were Les Bleus fans at heart.

Lol. I'm genuinely thanking Domenech for not including Trezeguet.
I really don't want to see him playing against azzurri at EURO2008.
EURO2000 was enough for me.

[talk2smc]

Lol. I'm genuinely thanking Domenech for not including Trezeguet.
I really don't want to see him playing against azzurri at EURO2008.
EURO2000 was enough for me.

yea Euro 2000 broke my heart especially since i was in Rome at the time. :(

but good news for Juve for sure as he can focus solely on Juve

[roma_barca]

You of course have seen Squillaci enough to decide that he's comparable to Givet and Boumsong? :rolleyes:

I won't say that Squillaci is as good as Mexes, but he's still a good player and IMO, had a better year last season than Cris at Lyon. This year isn't the best to judge him, with Coupet, Cris, Muller, and Anderson all getting injured, and with Grosso transparent as well. But he's still a good player and just as deserving of his spot on the NT.

I'm not surprised that Nasri has been put on the A' team. This year hasn't been going well for him, with injuries and poor form.

1. Nasri, that's right :)
2. Squillaci is good, and I won't risk anything claming he is better than Givet and Boumsong. As you say, it was not easy this last 6 months to see him as he has not real supply with him in defense. So he deserves the selection, MOEROVER I would have deserve to play with Mexes in the tuesday's game (not in the USA... :D). I'm just defending Mexes - but I don't think it is the unique "case" among "Les Bleus" - because I think it is obviousely a mistake not to take him. He regulary performs well since january 2006, and achieved a great season 2006/2007. The beginning of the current season has well started too. Now, especially and symbolically with the auto-goal last week-end, he is just in minor. But as many players and stars who know that the key games are coming, so it is important to be well and perform well in the next month. I think, and hope, that the final decision isn't made for Domenech, waiting for 2 next months and.. that Mexes will confirm :D/:)

:cool:

[drac78]

We all know now that Domenech favors players who play in Lyon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boumsong him start in euro2008 just because he signed for Lyon...

[roma_barca]

We all know now that Domenech favors players who play in Lyon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Boumsong him start in euro2008 just because he signed for Lyon...

You seem right... What a shame ! :mad:

[Pompey Lad]

Look at the callups and their clubs and then you've got Diarra at Pompey ha ha :p

[mambo]

No chance of a recall for Micoud ?
That match against Monaco was fantastic.

[roma_barca]

Oh, it's only one game. His chance is gone now in the French-NT :o

[AJAuxerre]

Im always surprised to see that Bodmer hasnt had a call up yet... especially now he plays for Lyon.

Ive seen some articles written in french and my french is quite limited but is it true about Mandanda rumoured to be the next no1 and going to euro08? probably mis-read it or a load of rubbish.

[dick_Darlington]

has rothen been doing well lately? i remember him fading away after euro 04

[TheLionLyon]

Im always surprised to see that Bodmer hasnt had a call up yet... especially now he plays for Lyon.

Ive seen some articles written in french and my french is quite limited but is it true about Mandanda rumoured to be the next no1 and going to euro08? probably mis-read it or a load of rubbish.

Probably as a third GK behind Coupet and Landreau. Both Frey and Mandanda have been playing well so it will be up to Domenech.

has rothen been doing well lately? i remember him fading away after euro 04

He plays for PSG............nuff said. :D

[talk2smc]

He plays for PSG............nuff said. :D

how many other french players around the world in different top level leagues are there?

he got the call up didnt he.

nuff said.

[TheLionLyon]

how many other french players around the world in different top level leagues are there?

:confused::confused: Alot...

he got the call up didnt he.

nuff said.

Yes he did and deservingly (was amazing for Monaco). After EURO, he signed with PSG and...........that's it.

[talk2smc]

:confused::confused: Alot...



Yes he did and deservingly (was amazing for Monaco). After EURO, he signed with PSG and...........that's it.

my point being that he was picked out of how many players who are French. (but that doesnt say much with Domenech's selection process. :rolleyes:

and arguably he has been one of PSG best players along with Pauleta and now Diane.

[TheLionLyon]

Squad against Mali and England

Gardiens
Grégory COUPET - Olympique Lyonnais
Sébastien FREY - ACF Fiorentina
Mickaël LANDREAU - Paris-SG
Stève MANDANDA - Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs
Eric ABIDAL - F.C. Barcelone
Jean-Alain BOUMSONG - Olympique Lyonnais
François CLERC - Olympique Lyonnais
Gaël CLICHY - Arsenal
Mathieu DELPIERRE - VFB Stuttgart
Julien ESCUDE - F.C. Séville
Patrice EVRA - Manchester United
William GALLAS - Arsenal F.C.
Gaël GIVET - Olympique Marseille
Philippe MEXES - AS Roma
Adil RAMI - Lille OSC
Bakary SAGNA - Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI - Olympique Lyonnais
Lilian THURAM - F.C. Barcelone

Milieux
Mathieu BODMER - Olympique Lyonnais
Alou DIARRA - F.C.G. Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA - FC Portsmouth
Mathieu FLAMINI - Arsenal F.C.
Claude MAKELELE - Chelsea FC
Rio Antonio MAVUBA - Lille OSC
Samir NASRI - Olympique de Marseille
Jérôme ROTHEN - Paris-SG
Jérémy TOULALAN - Olympique Lyonnais
Patrick VIEIRA - Inter de Milan

Attaquants
Nicolas ANELKA - Chelsea FC
Hatem BEN-ARFA - Olympique Lyonnais
Karim BENZEMA - Olympique Lyonnais
Jimmy BRIAND - Stade Rennais
Djibril CISSE - Olympique de Marseille
Sidney GOVOU - Olympique Lyonnais
Thierry HENRY - F.C. Barcelone
Florent MALOUDA - Chelsea FC
Franck RIBERY - Bayern Munich
Louis SAHA - Manchester United
Mathieu VALBUENA - Olympique de Marseille

http://www.fff.fr/servfff/historique/selection/der_selec.shtml

Great to see the Lyon contingent in there :D with out newest addition being Bodmer (should of gotten called up when he was with Lille). Great to see Mavuba back and Delpierre getting in the squad (probably with the A'). Can't wait until after EURO's when some young guys can start getting it. Oh and Louis Saha........:confused: wtf Domenech?

[drac78]

OMG what a terrible list :mad:

Landreau!?? Cissé!??? Briand?? Givet!? Rami? and where is Lloris? :mad:

This list is so typical of Domenech...7 DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS!!??

[TheLionLyon]

OMG what a terrible list :mad:

Landreau!?? Cissé!??? Briand?? Givet!? Rami? and where is Lloris? :mad:

This list is so typical of Domenech...7 DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS!!??

Lloris was called up for Under 21 duty. Cisse is in form right now, so I understand that. Briand and Rami are probably for the A' match against Mali.

[talk2smc]

Great to see the Lyon contingent in there :D with out newest addition being Bodmer (should of gotten called up when he was with Lille). Great to see Mavuba back and Delpierre getting in the squad (probably with the A'). Can't wait until after EURO's when some young guys can start getting it. Oh and Louis Saha........:confused: wtf Domenech?

like the Lyon contingent is never there. :rolleyes::o

but i do agree, its nice to see Mavuba in there, i think hes long overdue. and the Saha pick is ridiculous. but then again, so is Domenech. lets see if Mexes even sees any time.

i dont know why Domenech is picking him when hes not going to take him to the Euro.

[TheLionLyon]

like the Lyon contingent is never there. :rolleyes::o

but i do agree, its nice to see Mavuba in there, i think hes long overdue. and the Saha pick is ridiculous. but then again, so is Domenech. lets see if Mexes even sees any time.

i dont know why Domenech is picking him when hes not going to take him to the Euro.

Saha has just been replaced with another debutante Florent Sinama-Pongolle of Recreativo de Huelva. Not familiar with him other than him being one of Houllier's French busts he brought with him to Liverpool. Must be playing well though to get the call up, but you never know with Domenech.

[talk2smc]

Saha has just been replaced with another debutante Florent Sinama-Pongolle of Recreativo de Huelva. Not familiar with him other than him being one of Houllier's French busts he brought with him to Liverpool. Must be playing well though to get the call up, but you never know with Domenech.

awesome with the quick news posts mate;)

and nice to take someone else tho for the friendly tbh, i dont know anything about the player, but still nice to give the chance to someone who seemingly earned rather than being put in solely on reputation which was obviously Saha's reason.

[drac78]

Saha has just been replaced with another debutante Florent Sinama-Pongolle of Recreativo de Huelva. Not familiar with him other than him being one of Houllier's French busts he brought with him to Liverpool. Must be playing well though to get the call up, but you never know with Domenech.

come on that's the least important criteria when chosing players for Domenech;)

awesome with the quick news posts mate;)

and nice to take someone else tho for the friendly tbh, i dont know anything about the player, but still nice to give the chance to someone who seemingly earned rather than being put in solely on reputation which was obviously Saha's reason.

it's also Cissé's reason, Landreau's reason....

anyway, Sinama Pongolle will probably just play with the A' and then be forgotten like many other players Domenech tried.

[TheLionLyon]

TrezeGol has been called back up finally at the expense of Benzema :( who injured his ankle in our match against PSG yesterday.

[sakana]

I believe Sebastien Frey has pulled out because of illness (he didn't play Fiorentina's match on Saturday); Lloris has been called up in his place.

[TheLionLyon]

I believe Sebastien Frey has pulled out because of illness (he didn't play Fiorentina's match on Saturday); Lloris has been called up in his place.

Sagna and Valbuena too. Reveilliere and Remy (two Lyon:D players) get the callup.

[Whateverman]

Henry withdraws from France squad (http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=633161)

No one wants to play for Domenech :p

Isn't Vieira also injured :confused:

[talk2smc]

Henry withdraws from France squad (http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=633161)

No one wants to play for Domenech :p

Isn't Vieira also injured :confused:

yea Vieira also pulled out, i believe Trezeguet has been called up

[roma_barca]

The National French commentator Thierry Gilardi has passed by tonight, from a heart break. :(:(

Tomorrow, he won't comment the 10th Anniversary of the Stade de France, with the exceptionnal opposition between French and Englishmen. :(

R.I.P.

[Arnold38]

RIP

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=BlvVCQhDDpU

[TheLionLyon]

RIP

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=BlvVCQhDDpU

RIP. I grew up listening to him when he was Canal+. :( Let's win it for Thierry

[drac78]

Squad for the friendly against Sweden on august 20.

GK:
Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 21 ans - 0 sélection
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 23 ans - 1 sélection

Jean-Alain BOUMSONG (Lyon) - 28 ans - 24 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 27 ans - 13 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 26 ans - 0 sélection
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 30 ans - 65 sélections
Philippe MEXES (AS Rome) - 26 ans - 8 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 25 ans - 2 sélections

Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 13 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Portsmouth) - 23 ans - 13 sélections
Mathieu FLAMINI (Milan AC) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Yoann GOURCUFF (Bordeaux) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 28 ans - 41 sélections
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 24 ans - 16 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 51 sélections
Hatem BEN ARFA (Marseille) - 21 ans - 6 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Lyon) - 20 ans - 13 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 29 ans - 34 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 30 ans - 102 sélections

WTF is Boumsong doing here???????:mad::mad::mad: This guy can't tackle, can't mark, the only thing he's good at is heading the ball. Anyway, 4 defensive midfielders....yea Domenech is still Domenech...

I hope we lose 4-0 so they can sack him, even though it looks very unlikely:(

[talk2smc]

Mexes:eek:


Ben Arfa, Gourcuff and Karim is scary.

[drac78]

confirmed starting line up against Sweden tonite:

Mandanda
Sagna-Mexès-Gallas-Evra
Govou-Toulalan-L. Diarra- Malouda
Benzema-Henry (c)

subs:
Lloris (g)
Boumsong
Clichy
Fanni
A.Diarra
Flamini
Gourcuff
Anelka

Govou, Malouda, L. Diarra....the same crap again, I'm still expecting us to win against Sweden, their team looks very poor on paper.

[TheLionLyon]

confirmed starting line up against Sweden tonite:

Mandanda
Sagna-Mexès-Gallas-Evra
Govou-Toulalan-L. Diarra- Malouda
Benzema-Henry (c)

subs:
Lloris (g)
Boumsong
Clichy
Fanni
A.Diarra
Flamini
Gourcuff
Anelka

Govou, Malouda, L. Diarra....the same crap again, I'm still expecting us to win against Sweden, their team looks very poor on paper.

Govou got two :D

[Yonathan]

The last goal France did shouldn't have count. Beacuse the ball hit Gouvou's hand.

[drac78]

Govou got two :D

lol yea, but I still would've preferred to see some new players tested like Gourcuff.

Anyway, about the game, Domenech used his favourite tactic in the 2nd half with 3 defensive midfielders (L. Diarra-Toulalan-A.Diarra):confused:...
Also, it was a typical Domenech friendly game, he hardly made any subs...

Bottom line is I still want him sacked :D

The last goal France did shouldn't have count. Beacuse the ball hit Gouvou's hand.

Yea but it's Govou, you can't ask him to make a proper control with his foot;)

[reelone]

Domenech used only 2 subs, left flamini on the bench while toulalan played the entire 90. It's a friendly for christ' sake use all the subs!

On the other hand what an incredible assist from Henry!
and how can Sagna not start every match for France, he is a monster, no one is better than him in that RB spot

:d:d:d:d:d

[drac78]

On the other hand what an incredible assist from Henry!
and how can Sagna not start every match for France, he is a monster, no one is better than him in that RB spot

:d:d:d:d:d

Yea he had a good game, but with Domenech I wouldn't be surprised to see Sagnol start ahead of him :(

[postalemirates]

Govou got two :D

Yeah but the only reason Govou started is a) Ribery is injured and b) the fantastic Francois Clerc who plays for Lyon is out for a couple of months... he's miles better than Govou. Also, Is it just me or is Jeremy Toulalan super underated.. i think he;s one of the best holding midfielders in the world.

P.S. What do u guys think about Mathieu Bodmer... Due to the injury crisis at Lyon, he's been deputizing at center back though he was a fantastic attacking midfielder for Lille... He's being under utilized and i think he should be used more in the Juninho role more often but oh well his bloody versatility is one of his many strengths.

[drac78]

Yeah but the only reason Govou started is a) Ribery is injured and b) the fantastic Francois Clerc who plays for Lyon is out for a couple of months... he's miles better than Govou. Also, Is it just me or is Jeremy Toulalan super underated.. i think he;s one of the best holding midfielders in the world.

P.S. What do u guys think about Mathieu Bodmer... Due to the injury crisis at Lyon, he's been deputizing at center back though he was a fantastic attacking midfielder for Lille... He's being under utilized and i think he should be used more in the Juninho role more often but oh well his bloody versatility is one of his many strengths.

Clerc is a right back not a right midfielder;) And as much as I hate Govou, you can't say Clerc is better imo.

I think Bodmer's a very good center back too, he has a very good positional sense imo. It's hard for him to play in midfield though especially when Lyon have players like Kallström and Ederson on the bench.

[postalemirates]

Clerc is a right back not a right midfielder;) And as much as I hate Govou, you can't say Clerc is better imo.

I think Bodmer's a very good center back too, he has a very good positional sense imo. It's hard for him to play in midfield though especially when Lyon have players like Kallström and Ederson on the bench.

Yes Clerc is a natural right back but he played numerous games last season as a right midfielder and he was pretty good in those games (i.e knock out round against Man Utd). And i also agreed Lyon's midfield is over packed with the likes of Ederson, Kallstrom, Delgado, Juninho, Toulalan, Makoun and others... still at the end of last season when Bodmer played in an attacking midfield position, he was bloody brillant. i.e. (the decisive game against Bordeaux).

[TheLionLyon]

Yeah but the only reason Govou started is a) Ribery is injured and b) the fantastic Francois Clerc who plays for Lyon is out for a couple of months... he's miles better than Govou. Also, Is it just me or is Jeremy Toulalan super underated.. i think he;s one of the best holding midfielders in the world.

Yes Clerc is a natural right back but he played numerous games last season as a right midfielder and he was pretty good in those games (i.e knock out round against Man Utd). And i also agreed Lyon's midfield is over packed with the likes of Ederson, Kallstrom, Delgado, Juninho, Toulalan, Makoun and others... still at the end of last season when Bodmer played in an attacking midfield position, he was bloody brillant. i.e. (the decisive game against Bordeaux).

No way. Govou would of started ahead of Clerc even if Clerc would of been healthy. Also if Ribery were healthy, Govou probably would have moved to the left, due to Malouda falling out of favor with Domenech due to his inconsistency, and Govou and Ribery probably would of switched every now and then. The only reason why Clerc started in midfield in certain matches was because of defensive purposes, especially for the 1st leg against Man United, even though Perrin wouldn't say so.

Clerc injury, sadly, has practically ruined his chances of taking Sagnol's throne. The right back position is now Sagna's until maybe after the 2014 World Cup.

As for Bodmer, remember, Puel has known Bodmer for 5+ years during their time at Lille. Other than in emergency situations, Bodmer rarely played centre back at Lille, but maybe Puel saw something we didn't during their time together at Lille.

[postalemirates]

No way. Govou would of started ahead of Clerc even if Clerc would of been healthy. Also if Ribery were healthy, Govou probably would have moved to the left, due to Malouda falling out of favor with Domenech due to his inconsistency, and Govou and Ribery probably would of switched every now and then. The only reason why Clerc started in midfield in certain matches was because of defensive purposes, especially for the 1st leg against Man United, even though Perrin wouldn't say so.

Clerc injury, sadly, has practically ruined his chances of taking Sagnol's throne. The right back position is now Sagna's until maybe after the 2014 World Cup.

As for Bodmer, remember, Puel has known Bodmer for 5+ years during their time at Lille. Other than in emergency situations, Bodmer rarely played centre back at Lille, but maybe Puel saw something we didn't during their time together at Lille.

Well i still think Clerc is a better right midfielder than Govou. Seriously, Govou is bloody overrated and a tad rubbish. Also, Bodmer started playing at right back under Perrin last season so i think Puel is just sticking by that system for now. I have my reasons for that - a) Although Toulalan is more defensive minded than Bodmer (thus would make more sense if Toulalan played at center back), Bodmer has more pace and is more psychical .

[drac78]

Well i still think Clerc is a better right midfielder than Govou. Seriously, Govou is bloody overrated and a tad rubbish. Also, Bodmer started playing at right back under Perrin last season so i think Puel is just sticking by that system for now. I have my reasons for that - a) Although Toulalan is more defensive minded than Bodmer (thus would make more sense if Toulalan played at center back), Bodmer has more pace and is more psychical .

Now we agree :p

[postalemirates]

Last week, Frey announced his retirement from international football, and in the process left no doubt as to who was to blame for his decision; Raymond Domenech.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, the 28-year-old has been constantly overlooked by Domenech, and has won just two caps for his country.

Having already been an unused reserve at Euro 2008 behind Gregory Coupet, the last straw for Frey came last week when he was snubbed for France’s friendly against Sweden, with Marseille’s Steve Mandanda and Lyon new-boy Hugo Lloris mysteriously picked in the squad instead.

After announcing his retirement last Thursday, Domenech has finally issued a response, and unsurprisingly, what he had to say will not pass-by unnoticed.

The former Lyon boss made it perfectly clear that Frey had no right to retire from the national team and that only he has the power to grant such privileges.

"The decision of Frey? I have made a note,” Domenech sniped to L’Equipe.

“It is not up to the player to decide when he ends his international career. A player, whether he is 35 or 18, will be selected. It is not up to him to decide [it is my decision].

“There is no law that allows him to decide to stop. There can be a consultation, a meeting, a discussion, an agreement, but in no case can there be a decree by one of the parties."

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=836960

What the hell is wrong with Domenech??? Frey is the best French goalie right now and was the best goalie in the Seria A last season but despite all that, he didn't even get on the squad for France at the Euro's or their last friendly. Surely, Frey has the right to be pissed of and quit the national team (albeit until Domenech is replaced).

I'm seriously beginning to consider the sanity of Domench and i would urge the French Football Association to give him a "fit and proper person test". In other words, Didier Deschamps should be French team manager!!!!

[TheLionLyon]

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=836960

What the hell is wrong with Domenech??? Frey is the best French goalie right now and was the best goalie in the Seria A last season but despite all that, he didn't even get on the squad for France at the Euro's or their last friendly. Surely, Frey has the right to be pissed of and quit the national team (albeit until Domenech is replaced).

I'm seriously beginning to consider the sanity of Domench and i would urge the French Football Association to give him a "fit and proper person test". In other words, Didier Deschamps should be French team manager!!!!

My sentiments are with Frey. I am a big believer that if he's given a chance at the GK position, he will take it an run. Actually, he did make the EURO squad. You probably meant start. He should have started that last EURO match against Italy IMO. As for the recent friendly, although Domenech probably had "other reasons", Frey probably wasn't called up because he was in between important Champions League fixtures with Fiorentina and also, the Serie A season has yet to start meaning Frey's fitness wasn't on par with Lloris and Mandanda who had already played in 2 league matches.

[postalemirates]

As for the recent friendly, although Domenech probably had "other reasons", Frey probably wasn't called up because he was in between important Champions League fixtures with Fiorentina and also, the Serie A season has yet to start meaning Frey's fitness wasn't on par with Lloris and Mandanda who had already played in 2 league matches.

Good point there mate. Mandanda is pretty incredible.. so is Lloris. Both goalies has pretty good years last season for their respective clubs although Mandanda had some incredible performances for Marseille. Due to my bias towards Lyon, I think Lloris will eventually snap that top spot from Mandanda (assuming Frey remains retired) but i'm happy for both players.

Also, which French players will make a big splash in football this year? I have my guesses but i would like to hear other opinions on this subject.

P.S. Menez is off to Roma (he's going to be a revelation for Roma as long as he gets enough games)

[talk2smc]

a shame imo that a dumbass manager ignores your greatest talents in France. Trez, Mexes, Frey, simply because they dont play for Lyon.

you guys know me, i love French football, but truly ridiculous that Dom can basically "force" great players to retire when they are in their prime.

[diecast]

I'm seriously beginning to consider the sanity of Domench and i would urge the French Football Association to give him a "fit and proper person test". In other words, Didier Deschamps should be French team manager!!!!

just now you are questioning it?

[drac78]

Source: http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=836960

What the hell is wrong with Domenech??? Frey is the best French goalie right now and was the best goalie in the Seria A last season but despite all that, he didn't even get on the squad for France at the Euro's or their last friendly. Surely, Frey has the right to be pissed of and quit the national team (albeit until Domenech is replaced).

I'm seriously beginning to consider the sanity of Domench and i would urge the French Football Association to give him a "fit and proper person test". In other words, Didier Deschamps should be French team manager!!!!

I don't think Frey is the best French goalie right now, he didn't impress me in the two games he played with the NT. He made a blunder against Ukraine and he was crap against Ecuador (or Paraguay, not sure in which game he played). Lloris and Mandanda are better imo


P.S. Menez is off to Roma (he's going to be a revelation for Roma as long as he gets enough games)

I've never really been impressed by Menez and I think Roma are too big a club for him. He'll probably end up like Gourcuff, going back to France in a couple of years...

[postalemirates]

I don't think Frey is the best French goalie right now, he didn't impress me in the two games he played with the NT. He made a blunder against Ukraine and he was crap against Ecuador (or Paraguay, not sure in which game he played). Lloris and Mandanda are better imo

Hmm... i guess you didn't see him at all in the Seria A last season and against Everton in the Uefa Cup 2nd leg. Do yourself a favor and look up those games.. you will be blown away. And Yes, LLoris and Mandanda are good goalies but are defintely some shades off Frey.


I've never really been impressed by Menez and I think Roma are too big a club for him. He'll probably end up like Gourcuff, going back to France in a couple of years...

I actually see where u're coming from but i think Roma will utilize Menez better than how Milan DIDNT use Gourcuff at all. Menez is got talent - no doubt about that - and being around a coach like Spaletti will only bode well for him. He's not gonna be an impact player in his first season but i do not think he will be a flop whatsoever.

[TheLionLyon]

I don't think Frey is the best French goalie right now, he didn't impress me in the two games he played with the NT. He made a blunder against Ukraine and he was crap against Ecuador (or Paraguay, not sure in which game he played). Lloris and Mandanda are better imo

Wait, you're going to base Frey's ability on two NT matches, but say Lloris and Mandanda are better on the international stage when they've only played in two NT matches combined (Lloris playing none, other than B friendlies). IMO, I don't care who's better, Frey could be, Mandand could be, or Lloris. Who knows? However, they all should be given a chance at claiming the spot. The hierarchy is over. Baratelli to Bats to Barthez to Coupet to no one. Domenech shouldn't just give the position to Mandanda, he should earn it.

As for a French player making a splash. With Cisse leaving, Grandin will play alot. Gourcuff, if he stays in France. And Damien Le Tallec. I hear so much about him, I want to see how good he is.

As for Menez moving to Roma, I don't see him making an impact early on. Must be a signing for the future. He plays practically the same position as Totti and you are not jumping him on the roster.

[drac78]

Wait, you're going to base Frey's ability on two NT matches, but say Lloris and Mandanda are better on the international stage when they've only played in two NT matches combined (Lloris playing none, other than B friendlies). IMO, I don't care who's better, Frey could be, Mandand could be, or Lloris. Who knows? However, they all should be given a chance at claiming the spot. The hierarchy is over. Baratelli to Bats to Barthez to Coupet to no one. Domenech shouldn't just give the position to Mandanda, he should earn it.

As for a French player making a splash. With Cisse leaving, Grandin will play alot. Gourcuff, if he stays in France. And Damien Le Tallec. I hear so much about him, I want to see how good he is.

As for Menez moving to Roma, I don't see him making an impact early on. Must be a signing for the future. He plays practically the same position as Totti and you are not jumping him on the roster.

That's right, and that's why I think Lloris should've been tested in the friendly against Sweden but wait,Domenech didn't make any subs apart from bringing in a 3rd defensive midfielder... Tbh, I'm surprised Lloris isn't the 1st choice gk especially knowing Domenech's bias towards Lyon players.

You may add Sessegnon to that list ;) he seems to be doing well at PSG. Personally, I'd add Bakar from Monaco, he looked really promising when I saw him play, not sure he's French though.

[TheLionLyon]

That's right, and that's why I think Lloris should've been tested in the friendly against Sweden but wait,Domenech didn't make any subs apart from bringing in a 3rd defensive midfielder... Tbh, I'm surprised Lloris isn't the 1st choice gk especially knowing Domenech's bias towards Lyon players.

You may add Sessegnon to that list ;) he seems to be doing well at PSG. Personally, I'd add Bakar from Monaco, he looked really promising when I saw him play, not sure he's French though.

Though everyone knows of his bias towards Lyon, he probably would have made it clearer if he would of made Lloris the out-right starter and thus pissing off the Marseille supporters and followers (that's you, UNFP;))

Sessegnon is going to be a star. He's going to stay at PSG for maybe 1 more year before heading to, sadly, the Premier League.

[postalemirates]

As for a French player making a splash. With Cisse leaving, Grandin will play alot. Gourcuff, if he stays in France. And Damien Le Tallec. I hear so much about him, I want to see how good he is.

Yeah i've hard a bit about Grandin. How about Jimmy Briand? he looks a fantastic talent and i've been waiting for him to make a big splash. Moreover, i was surprised Batafemi Gomis was included in France's euro squad - don't get me wrong, Gomis is good but he's not quite ready for the big stage quite yet. Hatem Ben Arfa should be superb at Marseille - i think too much pressure was put on him at Lyon with his mate Benzema being fantastic so often but at Marseille, he should flourish into the talent we all think he is.

Bordeaux's Gabriel Obertan is one to keep tabs on - he's got fantastic ball control.

[drac78]

Squad for the games against Austria and Serbia:

Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 21 ans - 0 sélection
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 23 ans - 2 sélections

Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone) - 28 ans - 37 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 27 ans - 14 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 26 ans - 0 sélection
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 30 ans - 66 sélections
Philippe MEXES (AS Rome) - 26 ans - 9 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 25 ans - 3 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (FC Séville) - 28 ans - 13 sélections

Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 14 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Portsmouth) - 23 ans - 14 sélections
Mathieu FLAMINI (Milan AC) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Yoann GOURCUFF (Bordeaux) - 22 ans - 1 sélection
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 28 ans - 42 sélections
Samir NASRI (Arsenal) - 21 ans - 12 sélections
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 24 ans - 17 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 51 sélections
Hatem BEN ARFA (Marseille) - 21 ans - 6 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Lyon) - 20 ans - 14 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 29 ans - 35 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 30 ans - 103 sélections

Decent squad, we finally got rid of Boumsong, but I still see 4 defensive midfielders there... Also, I'd have picked Bonnart instead of Fanni but I guess I'm just biased here.

The best line-up imo would be:
-----Mandanda
Sagna- Mexes - Gallas - Clichy
Ben Arfa- Gourcuff - Flamini- Nasri
-----Benzema-Henry

We'll never see this team though as it's too attack-minded for Domenech....

[postalemirates]

Squad for the games against Austria and Serbia:

Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 21 ans - 0 sélection
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 23 ans - 2 sélections

Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone) - 28 ans - 37 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 22 ans - 0 sélection
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 27 ans - 14 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 26 ans - 0 sélection
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 30 ans - 66 sélections
Philippe MEXES (AS Rome) - 26 ans - 9 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 25 ans - 3 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (FC Séville) - 28 ans - 13 sélections

Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 14 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Portsmouth) - 23 ans - 14 sélections
Mathieu FLAMINI (Milan AC) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Yoann GOURCUFF (Bordeaux) - 22 ans - 1 sélection
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 28 ans - 42 sélections
Samir NASRI (Arsenal) - 21 ans - 12 sélections
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 24 ans - 17 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 51 sélections
Hatem BEN ARFA (Marseille) - 21 ans - 6 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Lyon) - 20 ans - 14 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 29 ans - 35 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 30 ans - 103 sélections



Wow... not a bad team but then again i'm sure no one is surprised by the selection. But why do u need 4 bloody defensive midfielders in that team. Come on, Toulalan and Flamini are great.. you don't need to add the 2 Diarra's. Also, I guess Bodmer got overlooked once again. Shudders!!!

[drac78]

LOL @ Mexes, I didn't know he was that crap:eek:.... Domenech's loverboy Lassana Diarra played the whole game, he was even moved to the right back position in the 2nd half...as if he was better than Sagna:rolleyes: Henry was useless as usual with the NT...

Now, I hope we lose against Serbia too so that Domenech gets sacked;)

[talk2smc]

LOL @ Mexes,

horrible game for him, but he is most certainly not crap. perhaps Domenech should have played him a bit more to get comfortable with the team/tactics, international matches etc before yesterday. in addition, respect to the man for coming out immediately and saying- hey look, i fucked up twice and costs us the game. but my heads up and it wont happen again. how often does a player have the balls to do that?

[TheLionLyon]

LOL @ Mexes, I didn't know he was that crap:eek:.... Domenech's loverboy Lassana Diarra played the whole game, he was even moved to the right back position in the 2nd half...as if he was better than Sagna:rolleyes: Henry was useless as usual with the NT...

Now, I hope we lose against Serbia too so that Domenech gets sacked;)

We can't even win with Domenech being controlled by the FFF. Seriously, this isn't a squad Domenech would pick (not enough Lyon players :p). Henry is done on the international stage either after the World Cup or maybe in between the WCQ's. We need to a striker to step up, earn a callup, and run with it.

Mexes messed up big time. Though Domenech practically through him into the fire, he should of played better and like talk2smc says, Mexes knows it. However, Domenech may have proved his point (not to me, drac and other supporters maybe) for not calling Mexes up during the height of his tenure. I don't want us to lose to Serbia. I pray for a 1-1 boring draw with Serbia scoring early and we get an equaliser late in the match so the supporters can send Domenech on his way.

[Warya]

We can't even win with Domenech being controlled by the FFF. Seriously, this isn't a squad Domenech would pick (not enough Lyon players :p). Henry is done on the international stage either after the World Cup or maybe in between the WCQ's. We need to a striker to step up, earn a callup, and run with it.

Mexes messed up big time. Though Domenech practically through him into the fire, he should of played better and like talk2smc says, Mexes knows it. However, Domenech may have proved his point (not to me, drac and other supporters maybe) for not calling Mexes up during the height of his tenure. I don't want us to lose to Serbia. I pray for a 1-1 boring draw with Serbia scoring early and we get an equaliser late in the match so the supporters can send Domenech on his way.

true but mexes shouldnt be blamed for the whole fiasco. gallas was caught ball watching in every attack and since mexes wanted to prove his start, he was all the running and defending as gallas sat and watched. i certainly hope he starts again as he is by far our best defender in terms of talent since well... thuram. ray needs to go and soon!! god speed!!

[talk2smc]

i think that Gallas and Mexes could have been the best CB partnership in the world had Dom given them time to play together and meld as defenders. sloppy performances like yesterday's are a result of poor managing and ignoring Mexes. how can Mexes partner Chivu, Panucci, and Juan and cant work well with Gallas...oh, probably cuz its the 3rd time theyve played together. :rolleyes:

[postalemirates]

i think that Gallas and Mexes could have been the best CB partnership in the world had Dom given them time to play together and meld as defenders. sloppy performances like yesterday's are a result of poor managing and ignoring Mexes. how can Mexes partner Chivu, Panucci, and Juan and cant work well with Gallas...oh, probably cuz its the 3rd time theyve played together. :rolleyes:

spot on mate... i would have loved it if Roma had kept Chivu - he and Mexes would gave had an even better partnership for Roma... tres mal

[talk2smc]

spot on mate... i would have loved it if Roma had kept Chivu - he and Mexes would gave had an even better partnership for Roma... tres mal

eh. Chivu wanted out, and i dont like players wearing the shirt if they dont have the heart for it anymore.
its no hard feelings towards Chivu, many Roma fans i know dont mind seeing him somewhere else, it was his time to go. just see last yrs Coppa and the way we treated him as he went to get his medal. loved him as a player tho, and i did feel he was a bit stronger than Juan/Mexes, but always felt Mexes was the strongest of the 3.

and on topic- thats why i feel its a sin he was ignored for so long by Domenech.

[Warya]

eh. Chivu wanted out, and i dont like players wearing the shirt if they dont have the heart for it anymore.
its no hard feelings towards Chivu, many Roma fans i know dont mind seeing him somewhere else, it was his time to go. just see last yrs Coppa and the way we treated him as he went to get his medal. loved him as a player tho, and i did feel he was a bit stronger than Juan/Mexes, but always felt Mexes was the strongest of the 3.

and on topic- thats why i feel its a sin he was ignored for so long by Domenech.

man my blood boiled when i saw an aging pair in our line up while mexes was constantly overlooked !there are so many talented french youngsters that i feel in terms of future promise, les blues is better than italy and the rest of europe. shame we have a clown for a coach!!

[talk2smc]

man my blood boiled when i saw an aging pair in our line up while mexes was constantly overlooked !there are so many talented french youngsters that i feel in terms of future promise, les blues is better than italy and the rest of europe. shame we have a clown for a coach!!

hmm...well besides the whole better than italy bit, as you should look at recent results.

i agree that in terms of youth and talent, France, Italy, Spain, some of the African nations have some greats on the way. for French youngsters, i very much enjoy Chantome of PSG, Ben Arfa and Benzema of course, Faty i love, and new boy to Roma, Menez is going to have a very bright future.

[Warya]

hmm...well besides the whole better than italy bit, as you should look at recent results.

i agree that in terms of youth and talent, France, Italy, Spain, some of the African nations have some greats on the way. for French youngsters, i very much enjoy Chantome of PSG, Ben Arfa and Benzema of course, Faty i love, and new boy to Roma, Menez is going to have a very bright future.

add to that valuebana, mandanda, loris, briand and nasri. well italy's u21 has honestly been playing better but now that the FFF has lost the plot, we seem to be suffering in all fronts. in terms of talent, i think france has better youngsters than italy now!! what do you think?

[talk2smc]

add to that valuebana, mandanda, loris, briand and nasri. well italy's u21 has honestly been playing better but now that the FFF has lost the plot, we seem to be suffering in all fronts. in terms of talent, i think france has better youngsters than italy now!! what do you think?


SPOILERS BELOW FOR WC QUALIFIERS

no i dont. i think France has much talent, yes. and im not knocking them. but Italy is far deeper at the U23 and below levels. if not for some poor officiating and bad luck, Belgium defeated us 3-2 in the Olympics. otherwise i think we would have had the gold.
im actually quite a bit more confident in the U21's than the sn team right now. we struggled v. Cyprus, thats right, Cyprus, and were saved embarrassment via Di Natale. but we have trouble in the 4-3-3, no left footed midfielder anywhere in Italy apparently, and defensive woes with an again back 4.

as for young talent in Italy heres some players that have recently been laying very well and have been making consistent solid performances for top flight clubs. to me thats the difference between a splash, or a true promising player- consistency at a young age at a top level.


Aquilani, Roma
Giovinco, Juventus
Chiellini, Juventus
Balotelli, Inter
Paloschi, Milan (needs a bit more time, should have been loaned to Torino)
Di Silvestri, Lazio
Rossi, Villarreal
Acquafresca, Cagliari
Dessena, Sampdoria
Osvaldo, Fiorentina
Nocerino, Palermo
Santacroce, Napoli
Cigarini, Atalanta
Criscito, Genoa
Curci, Siena

on and on. all top flight. all starters for the most part. only seemingly weak position right now is GK as i have no confidence in Amelia of Palermo. and Curci has had 0 top NT experience.


i think thats a bit more experience and talent already than France's youngster. save Benzema, Ben Arfa. Gourcuff is unproven, as is Nasri tho he has much promise.

i hate to say it, and people here can vouch, i love Ligue I, but i think some of the bright young talents need to stay in France to really make significant impressions. when a young player goes abroad at 18, 19, 20, its very difficult to assess his progress. look at Gourcuff, career almost comes to a halt with his move to Milan. now, had he stayed in France for those 3-4 years, im sure he would be very good now, and ready for a bigger move where he would demand $, and demand pitch time at a big club.

im not sure how it works in France, but in italy many players are signed onto contracts pending an immediate transfer to a Serie B or small Serie A club in which they play 38 games against difficult opposition. this is why i feel Italy has better talent and players atm than France, tho i reiterate, France's youngsters are quite good as well.

[Warya]

SPOILERS BELOW FOR WC QUALIFIERS

no i dont. i think France has much talent, yes. and im not knocking them. but Italy is far deeper at the U23 and below levels. if not for some poor officiating and bad luck, Belgium defeated us 3-2 in the Olympics. otherwise i think we would have had the gold.
im actually quite a bit more confident in the U21's than the sn team right now. we struggled v. Cyprus, thats right, Cyprus, and were saved embarrassment via Di Natale. but we have trouble in the 4-3-3, no left footed midfielder anywhere in Italy apparently, and defensive woes with an again back 4.

as for young talent in Italy heres some players that have recently been laying very well and have been making consistent solid performances for top flight clubs. to me thats the difference between a splash, or a true promising player- consistency at a young age at a top level.


Aquilani, Roma
Giovinco, Juventus
Chiellini, Juventus
Balotelli, Inter
Paloschi, Milan (needs a bit more time, should have been loaned to Torino)
Di Silvestri, Lazio
Rossi, Villarreal
Acquafresca, Cagliari
Dessena, Sampdoria
Osvaldo, Fiorentina
Nocerino, Palermo
Santacroce, Napoli
Cigarini, Atalanta
Criscito, Genoa
Curci, Siena

on and on. all top flight. all starters for the most part. only seemingly weak position right now is GK as i have no confidence in Amelia of Palermo. and Curci has had 0 top NT experience.


i think thats a bit more experience and talent already than France's youngster. save Benzema, Ben Arfa. Gourcuff is unproven, as is Nasri tho he has much promise.

i hate to say it, and people here can vouch, i love Ligue I, but i think some of the bright young talents need to stay in France to really make significant impressions. when a young player goes abroad at 18, 19, 20, its very difficult to assess his progress. look at Gourcuff, career almost comes to a halt with his move to Milan. now, had he stayed in France for those 3-4 years, im sure he would be very good now, and ready for a bigger move where he would demand $, and demand pitch time at a big club.

im not sure how it works in France, but in italy many players are signed onto contracts pending an immediate transfer to a Serie B or small Serie A club in which they play 38 games against difficult opposition. this is why i feel Italy has better talent and players atm than France, tho i reiterate, France's youngsters are quite good as well.


to a large extent i agree man and the main problem like you pointed out is that french youngsters are immediately poached or sold by their clubs before they develop unlike their italian counterparts. another big factor is that there are so many french youngsters being produced by these academies that many get lost in between. the volume of french talent being touted for the next big thing by the media's is larger than that of italy. there are always 3-4 next zidane's. titi's and maka's. even though iam a french supporter, there is no denying that the italian youngsters have more experience in the top flight then the french ones!! the disparity in the quality of the leagues has something to do with it too though!!

[TheLionLyon]

to a large extent i agree man and the main problem like you pointed out is that french youngsters are immediately poached or sold by their clubs before they develop unlike their italian counterparts. another big factor is that there are so many french youngsters being produced by these academies that many get lost in between. the volume of french talent being touted for the next big thing by the media's is larger than that of italy. there are always 3-4 next zidane's. titi's and maka's. even though iam a french supporter, there is no denying that the italian youngsters have more experience in the top flight then the french ones!! the disparity in the quality of the leagues has something to do with it too though!!

I honestly believe we have the best youth talent country-wise. The problem is the FFF doesn't focus too much on it. It seems the youth managers just call up the best youth players and just let them do what they want on the pitch instead of teaching them how to play as a team.

I do agree that Italian players are more experienced, partly because their parent club (particularly the clubs at the top of the table) seem to loan them out year after year to watch their development from afar. French clubs rarely loan out young players, only if they are surplus to requirements or if they are not wanted anymore.

Another note is the fact the national team rarely drops a player. This leads the youth talent too become stacked and as Warya put it go unnoticed. I can named a ton of players 25 and under that should be playing on the national team, only to go unnoticed because of <insert France manager> fear of dropping a veteran.

[drac78]

i think that Gallas and Mexes could have been the best CB partnership in the world had Dom given them time to play together and meld as defenders.

Yea but Mexes' two mistakes came from set pieces, it was just him against the Austrian forward.

Having said that, I agree that he should have started a long time ago, especially when Thuram was warming the bench in Barcelona..

add to that valuebana, mandanda, loris, briand and nasri. well italy's u21 has honestly been playing better but now that the FFF has lost the plot, we seem to be suffering in all fronts. in terms of talent, i think france has better youngsters than italy now!! what do you think?

Valbuena :p Seriously, I want him in the NT when Deschamps is our coach, I think he's more than ready for it now, I know he was injured lately but Domenech didn't give him a chance when he was fit, and i don't think he ever will.

Personally, I dunno about the Italian youngsters but I know we have many talented ones.


Another note is the fact the national team rarely drops a player. This leads the youth talent too become stacked and as Warya put it go unnoticed. I can named a ton of players 25 and under that should be playing on the national team, only to go unnoticed because of <insert France manager> fear of dropping a veteran.

so true, Domenech is the perfect example of this.:(

[talk2smc]

didnt catch the match v Serbia yesterday guys...did Mexes play and if so, how did he go after the blunders last match?

[TheLionLyon]

didnt catch the match v Serbia yesterday guys...did Mexes play and if so, how did he go after the blunders last match?

No he didn't play and he didn't seemed happy on the bench either especially when Henry scored and he went over to the bench and celebrated. Mexes just didn't seem to care even though he congratulated Henry.

Also, drac, it's time to start giving Govou some respect now. Great assist to Henry to score the opener.

[talk2smc]

No he didn't play and he didn't seemed happy on the bench either especially when Henry scored and he went over to the bench and celebrated. Mexes just didn't seem to care even though he congratulated Henry.

Also, drac, it's time to start giving Govou some respect now. Great assist to Henry to score the opener.

hmm. no surprise really from Dom. most intelligent coaches would have played him after what he did on the pitch and then what he did with the media. but thats only if he wanted to build his confidence. evidently he simply wanted to keep him on as surplus. really do feel for the guy, but this news is great for Roma. cant win with Dom can you.

[drac78]

Also, drac, it's time to start giving Govou some respect now. Great assist to Henry to score the opener.

Yea he did well on that occasion, but I still think he has a horrendous first touch :p I still rate Valbuena above him :o

[talk2smc]

anyone have any info on when and how Mexes possibly pulled up with injury? he wont be featuring for Roma this weekend due to an apparently reported knee injury. from where tho? he played v Austria, and then not at all for Serbia. so where did the injury come from v Austria?

[Yonathan]

France should play like this: :)

Mandanda

Sagna - Mexes - Gallas - Abidal

Toulalan
Nasri Gourcuff Ben Arfa

Henry - Benzema


(While Ribéry is injured)

[drac78]

France should play like this: :)

Mandanda

Sagna - Mexes - Gallas - Clichy

Flamini
Valbuena Ribery Nasri

Henry - Benzema


fixed!:p;)

[TheLionLyon]

Squad for Romania and Tunisia

Gardiens de But

Hugo LLORIS Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs

Eric ABIDAL FC Barcelone
Gaël CLICHY Arsenal F.C.
Patrice EVRA Manchester United
Rod FANNI Stade Rennais F.C.
William GALLAS Arsenal F.C.
Philippe MEXES AS Rome
Bakary SAGNA Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI FC Séville

Milieux de Terrain

Alou DIARRA Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA FC Portsmouth
Yoann GOURCUFF Girondins de Bordeaux
Jérémy TOULALAN Olympique Lyonnais
Patrick VIEIRA Inter de Milan

Attaquants

Nicolas ANELKA Chelsea F.C.
Hatem BEN-ARFA Olympique de Marseille
Karim BENZEMA Olympique Lyonnais
Thierry HENRY FC Barcelone
Florent MALOUDA Chelsea F.C.
Franck RIBERY Bayern Munich
Florent SINAMA-PONGOLLE Atletico Madrid nouveau


Any thoughts?

Fanni back in the squad. :rolleyes: Makes me feel bad for guys like Bodmer, Didot, Matheiu, and Cabaye who are playing, most likely, better than the guys who have been selected. This is the time during the WC qualifiers where you should bring in new players. Same old, same old is starting to get annoying. Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. do it all the time. If guys like Diego Capel, Marko Marin, and Fabio Quagliarella were French, we probably would have never heard of them yet.

Great to see FSP in the squad though, but Domenech won't play him in the WC qualifiers. Maybe Tunisia.

[drac78]

Squad for Romania and Tunisia

Gardiens de But

Hugo LLORIS Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs

Eric ABIDAL FC Barcelone
Gaël CLICHY Arsenal F.C.
Patrice EVRA Manchester United
Rod FANNI Stade Rennais F.C.
William GALLAS Arsenal F.C.
Philippe MEXES AS Rome
Bakary SAGNA Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI FC Séville

Milieux de Terrain

Alou DIARRA Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA FC Portsmouth
Yoann GOURCUFF Girondins de Bordeaux
Jérémy TOULALAN Olympique Lyonnais
Patrick VIEIRA Inter de Milan

Attaquants

Nicolas ANELKA Chelsea F.C.
Hatem BEN-ARFA Olympique de Marseille
Karim BENZEMA Olympique Lyonnais
Thierry HENRY FC Barcelone
Florent MALOUDA Chelsea F.C.
Franck RIBERY Bayern Munich
Florent SINAMA-PONGOLLE Atletico Madrid nouveau


Any thoughts?

Fanni back in the squad. :rolleyes: Makes me feel bad for guys like Bodmer, Didot, Matheiu, and Cabaye who are playing, most likely, better than the guys who have been selected. This is the time during the WC qualifiers where you should bring in new players. Same old, same old is starting to get annoying. Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. do it all the time. If guys like Diego Capel, Marko Marin, and Fabio Quagliarella were French, we probably would have never heard of them yet.

Great to see FSP in the squad though, but Domenech won't play him in the WC qualifiers. Maybe Tunisia.

Is Vieira even getting playing time at Inter? I really don't think we need a 40 yr old defensive midfielder now... Flamini should have been in the squad and should be our first choice defensive midfielder not jeremy "zero creativity" Toulalan..
Also, gotta love the way Domenech considers the likes of Ben Arfa, Ribery and Malouda as "forwards", this is just a lame attempt at showing he's not too defensive minded.
Sinama Pongolle is just called up so that people talk about him and not Domenech's potential dismissal imo
Anyway, bottom line is I want Domenech to be sacked no matter how we do against Romania

[Chingón]

I'd like to see a lineup something like this

Mandanda

Sagna-Squillaci-Gallas-Clichy

Ribery-Vieira-Gourcuff-Ben Arfa

Benzema-Henry

Domenech wont use that, but i can allways hope, eh.

[drac78]

I'd like to see a lineup something like this

Mandanda

Sagna-Squillaci-Gallas-Clichy

Ribery-Vieira-Gourcuff-Ben Arfa

Benzema-Henry

Domenech wont use that, but i can allways hope, eh.

hmm I'd play Flamini instead of Vieira but other than that it looks good ;)

[talk2smc]

Mexes shouldnt even go.
and Mathieu is getting the Mexes treatment himself.

sad for France's young talents really

[Don Vega]

Domenech call two other players (Jimmy Briand and Boumsong) if case of Gallas and Ben Arfa will be forfeit.

GK : Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon).

Defenders : Jean-Alain Boumsong (Lyon), Eric Abidal (FC Barcelone/ESP), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ANG), William Gallas (Arsenal/ANG), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ANG), Philippe Mexès (AS Rome/ITA), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal/ANG), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Séville/ESP), Rod Fanni (Rennes)

Midfielders : Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan/ITA), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ANG), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich/ALL), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille)

Strikers : Thierry Henry (Barcelone/ESP), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ANG), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Jimmy Briand (Rennes)

[drac78]

Domenech call two other players (Jimmy Briand and Boumsong) if case of Gallas and Ben Arfa will be forfeit.



pfff what a joke!

[Chingón]

Jimmy Briand was had been good this season and was lively against Lyon. Good pick.

[Warya]

ribery and the team in general had a decent showing against Tunisia. the goal could have been easily saved by mandanda . boumsong is an idiot

[TheLionLyon]

ribery and the team in general had a decent showing against Tunisia. the goal could have been easily saved by mandanda . boumsong is an idiot

Meh....Tunisia. And yes, the old Boumsong seems to be back. Even Puel is getting to that realization.

[mumoko]

Basicly, France do not have defence and tactical potency right now. Amazing midfield though.

Defence - against Austria and Romania we conceded from set pieces - do not they train them - positioning, marking etc. And Boumsong is a joke. Abidal too. We need real defenders. Mandanda has been below par. Nothing special. How is Lloris is doing?

Tactics - against Romania - it was obvious - we needed to continue to play in the center and try long-distance shots and not to try crossing especially when we do not have a tall forward. But we crossed and every ball was cleared away.

Starting to think that Domenech should go - but who might come in? Wenger? FFF always cares about results not about tactics and fans opinion. And for now the results are not so catastrophic

[talk2smc]

Starting to think that Domenech should go - but who might come in? Wenger? FFF always cares about results not about tactics and fans opinion. And for now the results are not so catastrophic

i think Deschamps is the favorite no? but no worries, Dom will be there in 2010, if France is.

[mambo]

GK : Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon).



Oh Hugo Llloris is already A-Squad ? Yesterday he played against our U21 in that knockout round. So you ordered big guys back to the small guys for that match, thats mean :(

Do you guys still play 4-5-1 ?
Always hurts me to see when you place those real strong strikers on the bench :[

[drac78]

Oh Hugo Llloris is already A-Squad ? Yesterday he played against our U21 in that knockout round. So you ordered big guys back to the small guys for that match, thats mean :(

Do you guys still play 4-5-1 ?
Always hurts me to see when you place those real strong strikers on the bench :[

Yes he is. Lloris and Mandanda are more or less at the same level imo, but that doesnt matter as even Buffon would struggle behind a central defence composed of Boumsong (who flopped at Newcastle, Juve, Lyon...) and Abidal (who hasnt played center back for 4 years or so)...

We play 4-2-3-1 with 2 defensive midfielders with zero creativity...that's still better than before when we played with 3 def midfielders (though that was only against strong opposition such as Lithuania:rolleyes:)

[talk2smc]

Yes he is. Lloris and Mandanda are more or less at the same level imo, but that doesnt matter as even Buffon would struggle behind a central defence composed of Boumsong (who flopped at Newcastle, Juve, Lyon...) and Abidal (who hasnt played center back for 4 years or so)...


too true about the defense. so sad imo, as talents like Ribery, Benzema, and Mexes to a lesser extent are being wasted among awful managing. has to be frustrating for the players.

[TheLionLyon]

We play 4-2-3-1 with 2 defensive midfielders with zero creativity...that's still better than before when we played with 3 def midfielders (though that was only against strong opposition such as Lithuania:rolleyes:)

You have alot of grief over that game :D. If you are talking about the match in March of last year when he started Maka, Toulalan, and Diarra, then at least we got a 1-0 win :p.

[drac78]

You have alot of grief over that game :D. If you are talking about the match in March of last year when he started Maka, Toulalan, and Diarra, then at least we got a 1-0 win :p.

Be careful, you're starting to think like Domenech :D

[TheLionLyon]

Squad to face Uruguay

Gardiens de But

Hugo LLORIS - Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA - Olympique de Marseille
Yohann PELE - Le Mans UC 72

Défenseurs

Gaël CLICHY - Arsenal F.C.
Julien ESCUDE - FC Seville
Patrice EVRA - Manchester United
Rod FANNI - Stade Rennais F.C. :mad: seriously, this guy again
William GALLAS - Arsenal F.C.
Philippe MEXES - AS Rome
Bakary SAGNA - Arsenal F.C.
Mikaël SILVESTRE - Arsenal F.C. So wait, scoring against Tottenham constitutes a callup :mad:

Milieux de Terrain

Alou DIARRA - Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA - Portsmouth
Yoann GOURCUFF - Girondins de Bordeaux
Samir NASRI - Arsenal F.C.
Jérémy TOULALAN - Olympique Lyonnais
Patrick VIEIRA - Inter de Milan

Attaquants
Nicolas ANELKA - Chelsea F.C.
Karim BENZEMA - Olympique Lyonnais
Jimmy BRIAND - Stade Rennais
Thierry HENRY - FC Barcelone
Franck RIBERY - Bayern Munich
Steve SAVIDAN - SM Caen :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: and I repeat :eek:

If you want to call up in-form strikers, where is Hoarau, who just won Player of the Month, where's Gignac, Remy, Obraniak. He even dropped Ben Arfa. Still no Mathieu, Cabaye, etc., Just call them up, they don't even have to play because they're beginning to think they are being ignore. While (slim) changes are being made, we're still seeing the same people and this is for a FRIENDLY.

[talk2smc]

Mexes...again to not even play ever. :o
Ben Arfa....:confused: what more can he do?
and Mathieu continues to be snubbed.
at least no Boumsong for you lot.

might as well call up Maka will all these old but new faces coming back in

scary when Lippi and Gli Azzurri are calling up more youngsters than your boys

[drac78]

Terrible squad as usual with Domenech:

-Savidan is there to get his first cap and will be forgotten after (as it happened with Sinama Pongolle, Piquionne etc)
- No Ben Arfa or Malouda (who is now a starter for Chelsea!)
- Boumsong was a starter in defense in the last 2 games and now he's not even in the squad (not that he deserves to, but it proves how clueless Domenech is)

[jon6894]

vieira will still be getting called up when he's 40, even though he has clearly been finished for at least the last three years.

it was the same in 2002 when lemerre was in charge. if blanc and deschamps hadn't retired after euro 2000 you just know they would have been in that squad too.

[germanyfcbarsenal]

*Thread title*....are a joke while Domenech's in charge.

Seriously, I hate the guy. He's ruining the French NT's reputation...now if only Italy would hire him...

[talk2smc]

Seriously, I hate the guy. He's ruining the French NT's reputation...now if only Italy would hire him...

hate all you want;)

:p

debate it all day, best managers come from the peninsula

[Warya]

goodness me, did savidan have a great french debut or what? or to think this guy used to play amateur football and supplement his income by working as a bin man few years back. just WOW!!

[germanyfcbarsenal]

hate all you want;)

:p

debate it all day, best managers come from the peninsula

I still haven't forgiven you for 2006. :mad::o:p

And by "the penunsiula" I assume you mean Florida?

[talk2smc]

I still haven't forgiven you for 2006. :mad::o:p

And by "the penunsiula" I assume you mean Florida?

Gol de Grosso will never leave my heart. Ever.


and no....i did not ;) naturally i meant Italia:)

[Yonathan]

Why can't Domenech call up Rèmy.:(

[Yonathan]

The Squad against Argentina:) It's a big suprise that Carrasso was called and not Gignac or Hoarau.


GARDIENS : Steve Mandanda, Hugo Lloris, Cédric Carrasso

DÉFENSEURS : Eric Abidal, Gaël Clichy, Julien Escudé, Rod Fanni, William Gallas, Philippe Mexès, Bacary Sagna, Sébastien Squillaci.

MILIEUX DE TERRAIN : Alou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, Jérémy Toulalan.

ATTAQUANTS : Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema, Jimmy Briand, Samir Nasri, Thierry Henry, Yoann Gourcuff, Franck Ribéry.

[talk2smc]

was rooting for Gignac and also Menez, especially because it was a friendly. Menez may not have been selected due to a nagging thigh injury tho...

[drac78]

Finally a decent looking squad. I don't think Briand deserves the call up though, especially not ahead of Gignac or Hoarau, but it doesn't really matter as he's only there to make up the numbers like Savidan or Sinama Pongolle before..

In any case, we'll get demolished by Argentina:o

[TheLionLyon]

Finally a decent looking squad. I don't think Briand deserves the call up though, especially not ahead of Gignac or Hoarau, but it doesn't really matter as he's only there to make up the numbers like Savidan or Sinama Pongolle before..

In any case, we'll get demolished by Argentina:o

This is the exact same squad that played against Uruguay, just with some exclusions (Savidan, Vieira, the pointless third GK), and you called that squad terrible.

[Yonathan]

This is the exact same squad that played against Uruguay, just with some exclusions (Savidan, Vieira, the pointless third GK), and you called that squad terrible.


Domenech isn't good as a national coach he belongs in the 5th division of Sweden:p and his a jerk he dindn't call up Hoarau or Gignac and they've scored more goals than anyone in ligue 1 and he called up Savidan for the match against Uruguay but not the match against Argentina and he isn't injured or something like that and as I mentioned before Didier Deschamps would be a great NT manager just look at what he did with Monaco.

[drac78]

This is the exact same squad that played against Uruguay, just with some exclusions (Savidan, Vieira, the pointless third GK), and you called that squad terrible.

just checked that squad again and there was Silvestre too, having Silvestre or Boumsong in a squad is enough to call it terrible imo:p plus, if i remember correctly, Vieira was completely unfit at that time.

Anyway, I just wouldn't have picked a better squad for the game against Argentina except maybe for Gignac/Hoarau instead of Briand, but the rest looks pretty good:cool:

Didier Deschamps would be a great NT manager just look at what he did with Monaco.

Indeed, I can't believe he still hasn't found a new job yet:confused:

[reelone]

Pure disgrace today, owned at marseille? never thought that would be possible. I'm calling for his head!! this looney has no tactics he used 1 sub in an international friendly!?

[talk2smc]

Pure disgrace today, owned at marseille? never thought that would be possible. I'm calling for his head!! this looney has no tactics he used 1 sub in an international friendly!?

well Maradona only used two, and Dom wont be sacked due to losing a friendly against a NT in the top 5 in the world.


not that im trying to defend him, hes an idiot. :o

[reelone]

well Maradona only used two, and Dom wont be sacked due to losing a friendly against a NT in the top 5 in the world.


not that im trying to defend him, hes an idiot. :o

yea but he was losing so you'd expect him to us a couple of subs.
i know he won' be sacked but it's scary to think he might stay and coach the wc2010, they can't expect to win like that.

[drac78]

There's nothing new here, Domenech never uses more than 1 or 2 subs in friendlies, apparently he doesn't know what "friendly" means... For him, it's more important to see how the players "live together" than how they perform on the football pitch...

About the game, I thought Sagna had a poor game, Henry didn't do much as usual, Toulalan and Gallas were the best players imo The best part of the game has to be when the supporters where calling for Domenech's head:cool:

[reelone]

There's nothing new here, Domenech never uses more than 1 or 2 subs in friendlies, apparently he doesn't know what "friendly" means... For him, it's more important to see how the players "live together" than how they perform on the football pitch...

About the game, I thought Sagna had a poor game, Henry didn't do much as usual, Toulalan and Gallas were the best players imo The best part of the game has to be when the supporters where calling for Domenech's head:cool:

for a while now at arsenal sagna has been doing just what he did, bringing the ball down then putting in a poor cross. don't know what's wrong with him recently.

[TheLionLyon]

PSG Striker Guillaume Hoarau Tipped For International Call

A brace of goals against Nancy on Sunday took the forward's tally this season to 15 Ligue 1 strikes and, as a result, he has been tipped for international honours very soon.

3 Mar 2009 13:49:06

There were question marks hanging over Guillaume Hoarau’s ability to adapt to Ligue 1 when he joined the Paris Saint-Germain squad from Le Havre this summer. The 24-year-old striker has emphatically answered those questioning him, smacking 15 goals in 25 appearances. A brace against Nancy last weekend was his latest success and has led to renewed calls that the lanky predator should receive international recognition.

“A few years ago you needed a lot of Ligue 1 games under your belt before you could dream of playing for France,” team-mate Jerome Rothen explained, according to Ligue 1’s official website. “Things have changed a bit and it's not lucky that he's scored 15 this season.
"With the likes of [Thierry] Henry, [Nicolas] Anelka and [Karim] Benzema on the scene it is difficult to break into the team. It's normal that Guillaume has ambitions of being picked by Les Bleus."

But Hoarau would also receive backing from legendary striker Jean-Pierre Papin, who made his name with Olympique de Marseille and also spent time with Milan, scoring 30 international goals in the process, has backed the Reunion-born forward for a call to les Bleus.

“He's a modern striker,” declared Papin. “He's big, good in the air, has two good feet, and is excellent with his back to goal. He's also quicker than he looks. For me he's the France striker of tomorrow and could be in the team for many years to come.”

Just Fontaine, who matches Papin’s goal-tally for les Bleus and boasts the record for scoring the most goals at an individual World Cup (bagging 13 at the 1958 competition in Sweden), also lent his weight behind Hoarau’s cause.

“He scores goals, and sets them up for others as well,” said the 75-year-old. “He defends well, too. These days goal scorers who only think of themselves don't end up with a good career. Hoarau is an altruistic player.”

Les Bleus next convene on Monday March 23 prior to a World Cup qualifying double-header against Lithuania. Head coach Raymond Domenech has said that he will not make great alterations to the squad that lost a friendly to Argentina in February but, if Hoarau keeps scoring, he will be difficult to omit.

Domenech is an idiot. :mad: Christ! What an idiot! Might as well as Gignac to that article too.

[talk2smc]

Domenech is an idiot. :mad: Christ! What an idiot! Might as well as Gignac to that article too.

i do think its difficult to pick a front line for France right now tho.
i understand you lot want changes from the last few matches, but Dom has what...
Benzema, Henry, Anelka, Briand, Ben Arfa Ribery (considered a FW on the teamsheet no?), and then adding Hoarau, and maybe Gignac in the mix?

i mean, where do they all play, obviously some would be dropped, but thats alot of attacking options that cant all be accommodated. Dom cnt even handle the ones he is calling up, let alone players he hasnt.



and for my money, Gignac should get the call before Hoarau. :o

[TheLionLyon]

i do think its difficult to pick a front line for France right now tho.
i understand you lot want changes from the last few matches, but Dom has what...
Benzema, Henry, Anelka, Briand, Ben Arfa Ribery (considered a FW on the teamsheet no?), and then adding Hoarau, and maybe Gignac in the mix?

i mean, where do they all play, obviously some would be dropped, but thats alot of attacking options that cant all be accommodated. Dom cnt even handle the ones he is calling up, let alone players he hasnt.



and for my money, Gignac should get the call before Hoarau. :o

It's definitely difficult, but I think these guys (Hoarau, Gignac, etc.,), as stated in the article, would appreciate just getting called up to the squad so they can at least know Domenech is watching, which he probably isn't, which was indicated by him calling up Mohamadou Dabo, when there were better alternates at the defending position. In France, there are three demarcations, well four if you count goalkeeper, Defenseurs, Milieux, and Attaquants. Wingers, which Ribery is, are classified as attaquants, which is why he is always put in that demarcation.

Problem is Domenech and the FFF are still living in the past thinking a prime Zizou is going to come walking through the door and not looking towards the future.

[armagnax]

It's definitely difficult, but I think these guys (Hoarau, Gignac, etc.,), as stated in the article, would appreciate just getting called up to the squad so they can at least know Domenech is watching, which he probably isn't, which was indicated by him calling up Mohamadou Dabo, when there were better alternates at the defending position. In France, there are three demarcations, well four if you count goalkeeper, Defenseurs, Milieux, and Attaquants. Wingers, which Ribery is, are classified as attaquants, which is why he is always put in that demarcation.

Problem is Domenech and the FFF are still living in the past thinking a prime Zizou is going to come walking through the door and not looking towards the future.

Domenech has been playing a Zidane based system forever, and doesn't know what to do. He's the biggest idiot in a long line of idiots at the helm of the French national team. Even HAVING a Zidane based system was absolutely idiotic in 2006, when clearly, you wanted a strong system that would allow an absolutely stunning system around combination of Henry and Trezeguet. This is a guy who refused to play Trezeguet when he was the top scorer in italy, for Gomis.

Worse, he just antagonizes people just to do it.

POINT:

At the Velodrome, in a meaningless game, he kept an exhausted Gourcuff on the field to punish Laurent Blanc after promising him he'd play only a half, and left Samir Nasri, who used to play for marseille on the bench and refused to give the kid a homecoming in absolutely historic game.

I wouldn't be so pissed if it didn't affect Nasri at arsenal, and I wasn't sure that the FFF wasn't so stupid to get rid of this jack ass before 2010.

Frankly, I think he singlehandedly kept an insanely strong french side from winning in 2006, kept a very strong french side from even competening in the euros in 2008, and may very well prevent france from even qualifying in 2010.

At this point, I want them to fail to qualify, so that this mistake gets burned into the minds of the FFF, and they'll never keep such a shitty shitty coach ever again.

[TheLionLyon]

Squad against Lithuania

Gardiens de But

Cédric CARRASSO FC Toulouse
Hugo LLORIS Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs

Gaël CLICHY Arsenal F.C.
Patrice EVRA Manchester United
Rod FANNI Stade Rennais F.C.
William GALLAS Arsenal F.C.
Philippe MEXES AS Rome
Adil RAMI LOSC Lille Métropole
Bakary SAGNA Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI FC Séville

Milieux de terrain

Abou DIABY Arsenal F.C.
Alou DIARRA Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA Real Madrid
Yoann GOURCUFF Girondins de Bordeaux
Samir NASRI Arsenal F.C.
Jérémy TOULALAN Olympique Lyonnais

Attaquants

Nicolas ANELKA Chelsea F.C.
Karim BENZEMA Olympique Lyonnais
Jimmy BRIAND Stade Rennais
André-Pierre GIGNAC Toulouse FC
Thierry HENRY FC Barcelone
Franck RIBERY Bayern Munich


Great to see Gignac finally. Hope he plays. Abou Diaby back in the squad. Haven't seen him play with Arsenal, so don't know if he deserves the call up, but I'm just happy to see a new face. Rami gets back in the squad with Abidal being out for awhile. Still expect the Gallas/Mexes partnership though.

[talk2smc]

Great to see Gignac finally. Hope he plays. Abou Diaby back in the squad. Haven't seen him play with Arsenal, so don't know if he deserves the call up, but I'm just happy to see a new face. Rami gets back in the squad with Abidal being out for awhile. Still expect the Gallas/Mexes partnership though.

i agree with Gignac, cant do much more to earn a call up than what he has done. :)
Diaby has been doing well in the Arse matches i have seen as of late.

[postalemirates]

Yep, good looking squad but what the hell is Abou Diaby doing there. He hasn't done anything all season to suggest he deserves a call up. Quite shocking in my opinion. Also, like everyone else i'm a tad surprised Hoarau didn't get a call up and Jimmy Briand got one instead - cause i reckon the former has had a better season.

One more thing, who do u reckon will start between the sticks - Lloris or Mandanda? I really hope it's Lloris but i feel Mandanda is still the preferred choice.

[germanyfcbarsenal]

Yep, good looking squad but what the hell is Abou Diaby doing there. He hasn't done anything all season to suggest he deserves a call up. Quite shocking in my opinion. Also, like everyone else i'm a tad surprised Hoarau didn't get a call up and Jimmy Briand got one instead - cause i reckon the former has had a better season.

One more thing, who do u reckon will start between the sticks - Lloris or Mandanda? I really hope it's Lloris but i feel Mandanda is still the preferred choice.

He's one of the only Arsenal midfielders who will make powerful, thundering runs at the opposition defense, something a lot of defenders panic at when seeing. He's big and strong, a valuable asset.

[talk2smc]

He's one of the only Arsenal midfielders who will make powerful, thundering runs at the opposition defense, something a lot of defenders panic at when seeing. He's big and strong, a valuable asset.

yea, i dont know about his call ups or anything, but what ive seen of him lately (~3 months or so) the most impressive thing i saw was he could fouled, and stay on his feet or continue with a nice pass. big ol' physical one that Diaby

[TheLionLyon]

Yep, good looking squad but what the hell is Abou Diaby doing there. He hasn't done anything all season to suggest he deserves a call up. Quite shocking in my opinion. Also, like everyone else i'm a tad surprised Hoarau didn't get a call up and Jimmy Briand got one instead - cause i reckon the former has had a better season.

One more thing, who do u reckon will start between the sticks - Lloris or Mandanda? I really hope it's Lloris but i feel Mandanda is still the preferred choice.

Hoarau did deserved to be called up, but I would have preferred Domenech dropping Anelka instead of Briand, something he doesn't have the balls to do.

yea, i dont know about his call ups or anything, but what ive seen of him lately (~3 months or so) the most impressive thing i saw was he could fouled, and stay on his feet or continue with a nice pass. big ol' physical one that Diaby

That is what confused me kind of. I doubt Diaby, with two caps to his name, will see any considerable pitch time, which is why I think Domenech should of called up an uncapped midfield player like Valbuena, Didot, Licata, etc. Just being at Clairefontaine and training with the national team is kind of an inspiration, just ask Savidan. Also, I am constantly wondering why every FIFA date, Domenech calls up three holding midfielder :confused:. Toulalan and Diarra are enough. Alou Diarra doesn't always have to be called up. So many other attacking options.

[drac78]

One more thing, who do u reckon will start between the sticks - Lloris or Mandanda? I really hope it's Lloris but i feel Mandanda is still the preferred choice.

Domenech said he's not gonna change his #1 goalkeeper so Mandanda will start. Not too much to worry about here, they're both on the same level imo

Hoarau did deserved to be called up, but I would have preferred Domenech dropping Anelka instead of Briand, something he doesn't have the balls to do.


Why would you wanna drop the Premier League's top scorer? I kinda understand why Domenech didn't call up Gignac AND Hoarau as Anelka will be the lone striker, with Gignac replacing him if need be, then I guess Briand will not complain if he doesn't play, while if Hoarau was in the team, everyone would expect him to get some playing time.


That is what confused me kind of. I doubt Diaby, with two caps to his name, will see any considerable pitch time, which is why I think Domenech should of called up an uncapped midfield player like Valbuena, Didot, Licata, etc. Just being at Clairefontaine and training with the national team is kind of an inspiration, just ask Savidan. Also, I am constantly wondering why every FIFA date, Domenech calls up three holding midfielder :confused:. Toulalan and Diarra are enough. Alou Diarra doesn't always have to be called up. So many other attacking options.

I read Valbuena received a pre call-up, too bad he didn't make the ifnal squad.

Maybe Domenech wants to play with 3 holding midfielders against Lithuania as the last time we played against them :p

[TheLionLyon]

Why would you wanna drop the Premier League's top scorer?

See, that's how Domenech is looking at Anelka. Domenech doesn't operate on a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately. He basically is saying, "Oh, since he's the Premier League's top scorer, I have to call him up.", when if you look at Anelka's stats since December 22, 2008, he has scored only 1 goal in 14 Premier League/Champions League matches. Yes, he scored a hat trick against Watford (very scary :rolleyes:) and a goal against Southend (see Watford), but I am speaking about matches that matter.

Hoarau, on the other hand since the exact same date, has scored 8 goals, 5 in the league, and 4 in Europe. He'd still have more output than Anelka if you add Anelka's cup goals against those minnows. My point is Hoarau's been on fire, while Anelka's been cooling off. Who deserves it more?

[drac78]

Well TheLionLyon is gonna be happy, Hoarau has been called up to replace the injured Anelka...:p now if Hoarau starts against Lithuania despite not being in the squad in the first place, Domenech will lose what little credibility he has left

[TheLionLyon]

Well TheLionLyon is gonna be happy, Hoarau has been called up to replace the injured Anelka...:p now if Hoarau starts against Lithuania despite not being in the squad in the first place, Domenech will lose what little credibility he has left

:D :D Finally. I agree on Donenech, especially if Hoarau comes in and scores, albeit against Lithuania. Smart people will criticize Domenech, while the FFF will say, "Hey good job Ray, Hoarau was a great replacement for Anelka.", when he should have been called up in the beginning. *sigh*

[talk2smc]

seems that Squillaci will be partnering Gallas as CB's for the Lithuania match.

cant say im A. surprised, or B. unhappy as it means Mexes wont be injured or tired when he comes back to Roma.

[drac78]

seems that Squillaci will be partnering Gallas as CB's for the Lithuania match.

cant say im A. surprised, or B. unhappy as it means Mexes wont be injured or tired when he comes back to Roma.

that would be the best partnership in central defense imo, I've never really been impresed by Mexes, but still, as long as Boumsong doesn't play I'm happy :p

[TheLionLyon]

that would be the best partnership in central defense imo, I've never really been impresed by Mexes, but still, as long as Boumsong doesn't play I'm happy :p

Squillaci has been way below average at Seville. Maybe Domenech got a bad feeling after watching Roma's back 4 struggle against Juventus. Iaquinta's second goal was over Mexes.

He should of gave Rami a chance :D because Domenech will guarantee Rami plays in one of these matches because he knows Morocco is watching and waiting. If Rami wasn't so hopeful of playing for France, he would have been capped with the lions.

[talk2smc]

Squillaci has been way below average at Seville. Maybe Domenech got a bad feeling after watching Roma's back 4 struggle against Juventus. Iaquinta's second goal was over Mexes.

tough to blame Mexes on that goal as the cross was deflected coming in, and Iaquinta does have height on Mexes.
in addition, Loria played in that match and then we went to 3 in the back as our midfield was completely depleted due to injury and i think 5 youth team players on the bench.

all tho if im honest with myself, Mexes has always been a bit under performing in the few NT appearances/starts he has made. as i said tho, completely fine by me as a Roma fan.:o

[drac78]

Squillaci has been way below average at Seville. Maybe Domenech got a bad feeling after watching Rennes back 4 struggle against Juventus. Iaquinta's second goal was over Mexes.

He should of gave Rami a chance :D because Domenech will guarantee Rami plays in one of these matches because he knows Morocco is watching and waiting. If Rami wasn't so hopeful of playing for France, he would have been capped with the lions.

Rennes?? :D Mexes was also appalling in the first leg against Arsenal, and we all remember his great game against Austria:rolleyes:

[TheLionLyon]

tough to blame Mexes on that goal as the cross was deflected coming in, and Iaquinta does have height on Mexes.

This was actually going to be the rest of my point, but I wanted to post in the horror tackle in France topic, hence my Rennes...Roma screwup. Lithuania will most likely start Tomas Danilevicius and Andrius Velicka, who use height as an advantage.

[talk2smc]

This was actually going to be the rest of my point, but I wanted to post in the horror tackle in France topic, hence my Rennes...Roma screwup. Lithuania will most likely start Tomas Danilevicius and Andrius Velicka, who use height as an advantage.

yea, theres certainly better options for the aerial defense. i would never trade him, at Roma he is a stalwart. but he is a tackling CB, and pushes the ball up very well, great headers to score goals at times too. but one possible weakness in his game is that big men can head by him. Iaquinta has a few times, Ibra, i think Adriano has out-leaped him at times.

but again, i wouldnt trade him. ;)

[drac78]

sooo Luyindula started the game despite not being in the original squad for the game, nor was he called up after Gignac got injured but only after another player got injured, meaning he was only considered 3rd choice!! he's not even a regular at his club ffs!!
Domenech is doing the same shit he did with Boumsong who was called up only after a player got injured but still started the game, how clueless is that?!

oh and did we really need 2 defensive midfielders for the whole 90min against a team that barely left their own half??

Domenech OUT!!

[TheLionLyon]

sooo Luyindula started the game despite not being in the original squad for the game, nor was he called up after Gignac got injured but only after another player got injured, meaning he was only considered 3rd choice!! he's not even a regular at his club ffs!!
Domenech is doing the same shit he did with Boumsong who was called up only after a player got injured but still started the game, how clueless is that?!

oh and did we really need 2 defensive midfielders for the whole 90min against a team that barely left their own half??

Domenech OUT!!

All people are going to worry about is the scoreline. I was thinking the same thing about Puyindula. He should have started the two DMS in Toulalan and Diarra with Benzema on the left, Ribery on the right, Gourcuff or Nasri in the middle, just behind Henry. Also he should have brought on Hoarau for Henry in or around the 83-90 minute mark. Henry looked out of it, but Domenech probably didn't want to hurt Henry's feelings. :rolleyes:

[meleficia]

Toulalan is suspended for today's game. You think Domenech will play another DM alongside Diarra? Or maybe go for a more offensive game? :D

[drac78]

Toulalan is suspended for today's game. You think Domenech will play another DM alongside Diarra? Or maybe go for a more offensive game? :D

Domenech...offensive..? that's never gonna happen :p we should be happy we're only using 2 DMs, last year when we faced Lithuania, we had 3 DMs!

[talk2smc]

Ribery:o

[Dixit]

TF1 = only french national team and french clubs in champion's League (1 match per week). TF1 chooses first. So, TF1 brodcasted on 10 march Barcelone-Lyon (Wednesday) and Canal+ chose Liverpool-Madrid or Juventus-Chelsa (Tuesday).
Canal+ (pay per view) = Champion's League, L1 (League1).
M6 = only Marseille and Bordeaux in UEFA Cup, I think.
France2 or France3 = French Cup and League Cup.

[TheLionLyon]

Monday Domenech announces his squad for the friendlies against Nigeria and Turkey. Any other manager would view these matches as irrelevant and would use them to scout new talent. Domenech won't. Same old, same old probably, excluding Gallas (injury), Henry (injury and Champions League final).


Gardiens de But

Cédric CARRASSO F.C. Toulouse
Hugo LLORIS Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs

Eric ABIDAL F.C. Barcelone
Jean-Alain BOUMSONG Olympique Lyonnais
Julien ESCUDE F.C. Seville
Patrice EVRA Manchester United
Rod FANNI Stade Rennais F.C.
Philippe MEXES A.S. Rome
Bakary SAGNA Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI F.C. Séville

Milieux de terrain

Abou DIABY Arsenal F.C.
Alou DIARRA Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA Real Madrid
Yoann GOURCUFF Girondins de Bordeaux
Florent MALOUDA Chelsea F.C.
Jérémy TOULALAN Olympique Lyonnais
Patrick VIEIRA Inter de Milan

Attaquants

Nicolas ANELKA Chelsea F.C.
Karim BENZEMA Olympique Lyonnais
André-Pierre GIGNAC Toulouse F.C.
Sidney GOVOU Olympique Lyonnais
Thierry HENRY F.C. Barcelone
Loïc REMY OGC Nice
Franck RIBERY Bayern Munich

:rolleyes: When was the last time Vieira featured with Inter? Mostly everyone called up deserves it, excluding Vieira, but I would still like to see some new players.

[TheLionLyon]

Considering there just friendlies.

[talk2smc]

Thank god Gignac got a call.
Vieira...maybe 2 months ago, but i remember him playing only maybe 2-3 games, and then before that probably another couple weeks or so before he played.

is Hourau injured still? he was a bit back right? missed the last 2-3 PSG games unfortunately.

[TheLionLyon]

Thank god Gignac got a call.
Vieira...maybe 2 months ago, but i remember him playing only maybe 2-3 games, and then before that probably another couple weeks or so before he played.

is Hourau injured still? he was a bit back right? missed the last 2-3 PSG games unfortunately.

Yeah, PSG aren't taking any risks with his fitness and are looking to miss Europe since he's been out.

[talk2smc]

Yeah, PSG aren't taking any risks with his fitness and are looking to miss Europe since he's been out.

a bit like Fulham they are, going from near relegation to possible Europe spots.

i suppose thats why Gignac got the call then, as earlier in the year it was Hourau and Gignac missing out.

[drac78]

BOOMsong, Govou and Vieira...ok now I definitely won't bother watching those useless games. I hope the supporters will boo Domenech throughout the games:mad:

[Whoah10115]

Fire The Motherfucker

[vaudevillian]

He is destroying My fav. National TEam..

[TheLionLyon]

FFF attempting to schedule a friendly with Algeria, in Algiers. Remember the last time we played them :eek: and that was played at our national stadium.

Also, we're playing Spain in March 2010.

[TheLionLyon]

l'EDF to face Faroe Islands:

Gardiens de But

Cédric CARRASSO F.C. Toulouse
Hugo LLORIS Olympique Lyonnais
Stève MANDANDA Olympique de Marseille

Défenseurs

Eric ABIDAL F.C. Barcelone
William GALLAS Arsenal F.C.
Julien ESCUDE F.C. Seville
Patrice EVRA Manchester United
Rod FANNI Stade Rennais F.C.
Bakary SAGNA Arsenal F.C.
Sébastien SQUILLACI F.C. Séville

Milieux de terrain

Moussa SISSOKO Toulouse F.C.
Alou DIARRA Girondins de Bordeaux
Lassana DIARRA Real Madrid
Yoann GOURCUFF Girondins de Bordeaux
Florent MALOUDA Chelsea F.C.
Jérémy TOULALAN Olympique Lyonnais

Attaquants

Nicolas ANELKA Chelsea F.C.
Karim BENZEMA Olympique Lyonnais
André-Pierre GIGNAC Toulouse F.C.
Thierry HENRY F.C. Barcelone
Loïc REMY OGC Nice
Franck RIBERY Bayern Munich

Ribery declared he was unavailable and Domenech still called him up. Gallas is coming some serious rehabilitation on his knee and he gets called up? Also, why is Domenech so infatuated with Fanni? :D Great to see Moussa Sissoko. Deserves it. He needs to get capped immediately.

[Yonathan]

Finally a youngster (Sissoko)!

[reelone]

What's he trying to run a 4-3-3? Malouda is the only real wing on that midfield.

[Murkurial]

l'EDF to face Faroe Islands:

Ribery declared he was unavailable and Domenech still called him up. Gallas is coming some serious rehabilitation on his knee and he gets called up?

He pulled some shit like that with Makelele a while back didn't he? I don't think Makelele was injured, actually I think he'd retired, but Domenech decided to invoke whatever rule it was that would effectively prohibit Claude from playing with Chelsea as well if he didn't fulfill his NT duties.

[Whoah10115]

Honestly....Honestly...Seriously...I don't hate Domenech. Some people are born incapable.


But the FFF...Seriously...Come on...



Edit: Of course I hate Domenech but I have to redirect my hate to those in charge of leaving him in charge. I just had ACL reconstruction last week. If I was French would he call me up too?

[TheLionLyon]

He pulled some shit like that with Makelele a while back didn't he? I don't think Makelele was injured, actually I think he'd retired, but Domenech decided to invoke whatever rule it was that would effectively prohibit Claude from playing with Chelsea as well if he didn't fulfill his NT duties.

Yeah, that was when Mourinho came with "slave" comment. Domenech should have honored Makelele's retirement, but he felt that if Maka was fit to play for Chelsea, he was fit to play for the national team. Makelele didn't really mind, which is why I think it was blown completely out of proportion.

[talk2smc]

Yeah, that was when Mourinho came with "slave" comment. Domenech should have honored Makelele's retirement, but he felt that if Maka was fit to play for Chelsea, he was fit to play for the national team. Makelele didn't really mind, which is why I think it was blown completely out of proportion.

only Jose really got worked up about that one, Maka never seemed to care too much.

glad to see Mexes omitted:o

[TheLionLyon]

This is why I truly appreciate a guy like Henry. He knows that him not being with the team will make no difference in us destroying the Faroe Islands, yet Domenech calls him up. Let's see who he calls up to replace Henry, probably Govou. :mad:

[drac78]

This is why I truly appreciate a guy like Henry. He knows that him not being with the team will make no difference in us destroying the Faroe Islands, yet Domenech calls him up. Let's see who he calls up to replace Henry, probably Govou. :mad:

or Luyindula :D

[reelone]

This is why I truly appreciate a guy like Henry. He knows that him not being with the team will make no difference in us destroying the Faroe Islands, yet Domenech calls him up. Let's see who he calls up to replace Henry, probably Govou. :mad:

JUst saw on Fox Soccer Report, he will go with a 21 man squad instead of choosing a replacement for Henry. This guy always amazes me.

[drac78]

Impressive 1-0 win against the mighty Faroe Islands.. I heard the fisherman almost scored for the Faroe Islands and the truck driver was solid in defence, it's a shame that the bartender was subbed off during the 2nd half cuz I thought he was playing really well. :rolleyes:

[talk2smc]

Impressive 1-0 win against the mighty Faroe Islands.. I heard the fisherman almost scored for the Faroe Islands and the truck driver was solid in defence, it's a shame that the bartender was subbed off during the 2nd half cuz I thought he was playing really well. :rolleyes:


:p
hey, im happy for Gignac's first tho at least

[TheLionLyon]

Impressive 1-0 win against the mighty Faroe Islands.. I heard the fisherman almost scored for the Faroe Islands and the truck driver was solid in defence, it's a shame that the bartender was subbed off during the 2nd half cuz I thought he was playing really well. :rolleyes:

And he used only one substitute basically saying "Sorry Benzema, I don't think you can do any better than the brainless Anelka".

Anyway, Gignac was a boss from the middle of the first half on. Glad he got the goal. Gourcuff was solid, but his finishing was shockingly bad. I remember one moment were he had a one on one and instead of taking him on, he played a soft pass into the box. I won't even speak of Anelka, just pathetic. The two DMs have got to stop. I said this in another forum. We haven't scored 1+ goals in over a year now. Pathetic really. The under-21s are more entertaining.

[talk2smc]

We haven't scored 1+ goals in over a year now

you have to be making that stat up...:eek:

just goes to show you even with the likes of Nic, Benzema, Gignac now, Hourau, etc, all these top scoring FW's in their respective leagues...it takes XI...

[Yonathan]

This game didn't really suprise me this French team is going to underachive until Domenech is gone:(..... France should be lucky if they can make to the WC next year.

[mumoko]

I think France under Domenech has started being an Italy - copy - hard qualification and better results in the knock-out rounds.

[drac78]

And he used only one substitute basically saying "Sorry Benzema, I don't think you can do any better than the brainless Anelka".

Anyway, Gignac was a boss from the middle of the first half on. Glad he got the goal. Gourcuff was solid, but his finishing was shockingly bad. I remember one moment were he had a one on one and instead of taking him on, he played a soft pass into the box. I won't even speak of Anelka, just pathetic. The two DMs have got to stop. I said this in another forum. We haven't scored 1+ goals in over a year now. Pathetic really. The under-21s are more entertaining.

couldn't agree more with that, I could understand if we played with 2 DMs against, say, Brazil or Argentina but the FAROE ISLANDS?! hell, he even played with 3 DMs last year against Lithuania! I say we should keep L. Diarra and play someone a bit more creative next to him (Diaby?). Toulalan is just useless, he keeps losing the ball with his awful passing and I won't even talk about his long shots...

also, we have no game plan at all, we just seem to be relying on individualities, it's sad to watch...oh and what does Domenech do to GKs?? he turns great keepers (Mandanda and Lloris) into poor ones??

[drac78]

I think France under Domenech has started being an Italy - copy - hard qualification and better results in the knock-out rounds.

I'm not too sure about that ;)

[drac78]

here's our squad for the games against Romania and Serbia:

Cédric CARRASSO (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 0 sélection
Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 22 ans - 3 sélections
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 24 ans - 10 sélections

Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone) - 29 ans - 42 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Julien ESCUDE (FC Séville) - 29 ans - 9 sélections
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 28 ans - 21 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 27 ans - 3 sélections
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 31 ans - 73 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 26 ans - 11 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (FC Séville) - 28 ans - 16 sélections

Abou DIABY (Arsenal) - 23 ans - 2 sélections
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 28 ans - 20 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Real Madrid) - 24 ans - 21 sélections
Yoann GOURCUFF (Bordeaux) - 23 ans - 12 sélections
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 46 sélections
Franck RIBERY (Bayern Munich) - 26 ans - 39 sélections
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 25 ans - 27 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 30 ans - 58 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Real Madrid) - 21 ans - 24 sélections
André-Pierre GIGNAC (Toulouse) - 23 ans - 4 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 31 ans - 111 sélections
Loïc REMY (Nice) - 22 ans - 1 sélection

unlikely line up but it would be the best one imo:

Mandanda/Lloris (both suck with the French NT anyway)
Sagna - Gallas - Squillaci - Evra
--------Diaby - L. Diarra
Ribéry - Gourcuff - Benzema
---------Gignac

[TheLionLyon]

Yeah, saw the selection as soon as it was unveil. I cant believe I was expecting Cissokho 2 get called up. What was he at the Anderlecht match for? He probably doesnt want to hurt abidals feelings. smh

[Yonathan]

C'mon they only need two left-backs not three but good to see that Vieira was left out:p

[drac78]

so Clichy is the surprise inclusion this time. there's always a surprise inclusion in the squad, it's usually a player who will not get any playing time but who's there so that the media focuses on him and not on Domenech/his non existant game plan etc ...so after Sinama-Pongolle, Rami, Savidan, Luyindula, Piquionne, and last time Sissoko, now it's Clichy's turn. :rolleyes:

[talk2smc]

Mexes continuing his streak of constant disrespect from the NT, annnnd i love it. stays with Roma so he can be our beast in the back:)

[freedom0824]

3：0 tonight

[wilsonpss]

here's our squad for the games against Romania and Serbia:

(...)

unlikely line up but it would be the best one imo:

Mandanda/Lloris (both suck with the French NT anyway)
Sagna - Gallas - Squillaci - Evra
--------Diaby - L. Diarra
Ribéry - Gourcuff - Benzema
---------Gignac

tyvm.. Sagna, Gallas, Diaby and Clichy.. go gunners :rolleyes:

[TheLionLyon]

tyvm.. Sagna, Gallas, Diaby and Clichy.. go gunners :rolleyes:

Diaby and Clichy were called up just to filled the roster. Diaby has known his call ups were irrelevant for about two years now. When Clichy starts to get called up regularly, he'll get the picture.

[SUN1886]

france dangerous!

what we can do?

[jimmy]

ribery benched?

[Yonathan]

ribery benched?

He was a little bit injured and with the match against Serbia coming up soon, Domenech didn't want to risk him to that game;)

[jimmy]

He was a little bit injured and with the match against Serbia coming up soon, Domenech didn't want to risk him to that game;)risk? first and foremost you got to win matches here and now before worrying about the game thereafter. i've no idea what's going on with french football at the moment, but the national team aren't doing themselves any favours

[Yonathan]

risk? first and foremost you got to win matches here and now before worrying about the game thereafter. i've no idea what's going on with french football at the moment, but the national team aren't doing themselves any favours

How can he play injured:mad: Besides the big game is against Serbia, this game is a big game for France and therefore Ribery was rested cuz of injury!

[jimmy]

How can he play injured:mad: Besides the big game is against Serbia, this game is a big game for France and therefore Ribery was rested cuz of injury!
i'm not disputing the fact serbia will be a big game for france, but surely an opportunity to close the gap further ie 3 points at home to belguim is equally as important? win both games, and they'd have jumped over serbia, failure to win both will result in them being behind serbia reguardless of the serbia vs france score, that's what i'm getting at.

also means the mighty faroe islands and lithuania edge closer to second spot

[Yonathan]

i'm not disputing the fact serbia will be a big game for france, but surely an opportunity to close the gap further ie 3 points at home to belguim is equally as important? win both games, and they'd have jumped over serbia, failure to win both will result in them being behind serbia reguardless of the serbia vs france score, that's what i'm getting at.

also means the mighty faroe islands and lithuania edge closer to second spot

I see your point, but even if they met Brazil in the WC 2010 final and Ribéry was injured I still don't think that he would have played that match.

[drac78]

Thierry Henry has been quoted as giving a stinging assessment of France's international set-up to manager Raymond Domenech.

The Barcelona striker is one of the most senior members of Les Bleus' squad after making 112 appearances and scoring 49 goals.

But with France looking set for a play-off for the 2010 World Cup, as they trail first-placed Serbia by four points in Group 7, Henry has sounded his concerns.

The former Arsenal star is said to have held a meeting with Domenech at a training camp last Friday where he was highly critical of methods and organisation.

Henry is quoted by Le Parisien as saying at the meeting: "Coach, we have something to tell you. I am speaking in the name of the squad.
Bored

"We are getting bored during your training sessions. In 12 years with the French team, I have never been in such a situation.

"We do not know how to play, where to be on the pitch, how to organise. We do not know what to do. We have no style, no guidelines. It is not working."

France drew 1-1 with Romania on Saturday and face Serbia on Wednesday, with Henry confessing he and his team-mates are likely to finish second.

But the forward is not throwing in the towel, saying: "We are disappointed that we only got one point from a very good match from the French team (against Romania).

"We have to win our last three matches. It won't be easy in Serbia. Even if we win there, the Serbs will remain one point in front of us.

"If we can't reach first position, we will have to secure second. We will try to reach that first place, even if second seems more likely."

now who wanna bet that Henry will not play against Serbia? :D

[robin9]

Whoever is keeping Domenech in place should be convicted for crimes against football! It's insane having such a good roster and producing this kind of football.

[drac78]

The culprit is Jean-Pierre Escalettes, the 110 year old president of the French football federation, he knows absolutely nothing about football. I seriously have no idea what he sees in Domenech, maybe they are really good friends, I don't know...

Who would replace Domenech though? the best French coaches are Deschamps and Blanc. Deschamps has just joined Marseille so we can rule him out, and I'm not sure Blanc would leave Bordeaux in the middle of the season. Cantona might be an option, I heard he had some good results with our beach soccer team.. I wouldn't mind Gerets either..

[Yonathan]

The culprit is Jean-Pierre Escalettes, the 110 year old president of the French football federation, he knows absolutely nothing about football. I seriously have no idea what he sees in Domenech, maybe they are really good friends, I don't know...

Who would replace Domenech though? the best French coaches are Deschamps and Blanc. Deschamps has just joined Marseille so we can rule him out, and I'm not sure Blanc would leave Bordeaux in the middle of the season. Cantona might be an option, I heard he had some good results with our beach soccer team.. I wouldn't mind Gerets either..

That's the problem I think no coach availble:(.....

[germanyfcbarsenal]

The culprit is Jean-Pierre Escalettes, the 110 year old president of the French football federation, he knows absolutely nothing about football. I seriously have no idea what he sees in Domenech, maybe they are really good friends, I don't know...

Who would replace Domenech though? the best French coaches are Deschamps and Blanc. Deschamps has just joined Marseille so we can rule him out, and I'm not sure Blanc would leave Bordeaux in the middle of the season. Cantona might be an option, I heard he had some good results with our beach soccer team.. I wouldn't mind Gerets either..

Beach soccer is hardly a qualifier for a top level international coaching job though.

That's the problem I think no coach availble:(.....

At this point, no coach might be better than the current one.

[Yonathan]

At this point, no coach might be better than the current one.

Why not take Gérard Houiler as the NT coach, that would be something.

[drac78]

What does Domenech do when the score is 1-1 and we absolutely must win the game? He brings on a 3rd -yes a THIRD!!- defensive midfielder and keeps Benzema on the bench.

oh and that Italian ref is one of the worst I've ever seen, a straight red for Lloris? wtf?! and a straight red for that Serbian player because he was protesting?! what a fucking idiot.

[robin9]

Rosetti is one of the best refs according to UEFA. I think he is good but not top. The moment he showed a red to the Serbian guy I lol'ed! The guy protested to the ref (rightly imo) doing the tap finger to the head jesture as to "you are stupid" and then the ref shows him the red and does the same exact jesture. Funny!

As for Domenech, there's not much else to say. Just that France hasn't won once with 2 or more goal difference in this qualifiers says everything.

[TheLionLyon]

Rosetti is one of the best refs according to UEFA. I think he is good but not top. The moment he showed a red to the Serbian guy I lol'ed! The guy protested to the ref (rightly imo) doing the tap finger to the head jesture as to "you are stupid" and then the ref shows him the red and does the same exact jesture. Funny!

As for Domenech, there's not much else to say. Just that France hasn't won once with 2 or more goal difference in this qualifiers says everything.

To put it simpler, we haven't scored more than one goal in a match, including friendlies, for a whole year (well, starting next month). How embarrassing.

[Yonathan]

Damn I can't express myself anymore about Domenech I'm stunned:eek:

[Raioneru]

the only thing I can say is that, he is the chief, he is the captain of the boat, and he will sink with it. the worse part is that we are going to sink with this Freakin idiot... and the FFF by the way

[talk2smc]

didnt know Rosetti was the one for this match. after i saw the red card for Lloris, i thought it was quite harsh.

Rosetti is usually very good and in Italy, consistent. but ive seen some questionable matches from him in Europe. but he is one of Italy's best and our top UEFA representative

[Raioneru]

didnt know Rosetti was the one for this match. after i saw the red card for Lloris, i thought it was quite harsh.

Rosetti is usually very good and in Italy, consistent. but ive seen some questionable matches from him in Europe. but he is one of Italy's best and our top UEFA representative
yup I didnt know his name but I dont know about you but when I see him on the European level or during the WC (I think he was during 2006) Im kinda relieved, he has a lot of composure and I like that

[TheLionLyon]

Squad is announced tomorrow. I am really really thinking Domenech is considering Cissokho for a call up. Guy is getting applauded for his play with Lyon and Cissokho's first choice is France. But since these are important qualification matches against Faroe Islands and Austria (ranked 163rd and 68th, respectively :rolleyes:) , Domenech might stick to the same script.

Other notes:

Karim Benzema admitted in an interview that he "didn't give his all" after coming on as a substitute in the Romania match. I don't remember when he came on, but I think it was very late.

Many people are calling for, if not demanding, Cissokho (stated above), Cheyrou (the Marseille one) and Matthieu Chalme, to a lesser extent, to get called up to the senior team.

Also, Domenech has accused the guy, who wrote the article about Thierry Henry criticizing him, of fabricating the story.

[drac78]

and here's the squad:

Cédric CARRASSO (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 0 sélection
Nicolas DOUCHEZ (Rennes) - 29 ans - 0 sélection
Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 22 ans - 5 sélection
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 24 ans - 11 sélections

Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone) - 30 ans - 43 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Julien ESCUDE (FC Séville) - 30 ans - 10 sélections
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 28 ans - 23 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 27 ans - 3 sélections
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 32 ans - 75 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 26 ans - 13 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (FC Séville) - 29 ans - 16 sélections

Abou DIABY (Arsenal) - 23 ans - 2 sélections
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 28 ans - 21 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Real Madrid) - 24 ans - 23 sélections
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 46 sélections
Franck RIBERY (Bayern Munich) - 26 ans - 41 sélections
Moussa SISSOKO (Toulouse) - 20 ans - 0 sélection
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 26 ans - 29 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 30 ans - 60 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Real Madrid) - 21 ans - 25 sélections
André-Pierre GIGNAC (Toulouse) - 23 ans - 6 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 30 ans - 39 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 32 ans - 113 sélections


so this time, the player-who's-only-there-so-the-media-focuses-on-him-and-not-on-Domenech is...Douchez. Seriously, FOUR gks?! wtf? ...and yes there are FOUR defensive midfielders in the squad...which is normal since we're playing against Brazil and...no wait it's Austria and the Faroe Islands...Still no Cheyrou...

I hope we lose against the Faroe Islands!

[TheLionLyon]

and here's the squad:

so this time, the player-who's-only-there-so-the-media-focuses-on-him-and-not-on-Domenech is...Douchez. Seriously, FOUR gks?! wtf? ...and yes there are FOUR defensive midfielders in the squad...which is normal since we're playing against Brazil and...no wait it's Austria and the Faroe Islands...Still no Cheyrou...

I hope we lose against the Faroe Islands!

If I was Douchez, I wouldn't even show. What a pointless call up. Since it's a WC qualification match, it's essentially an 18-man squad and Carrasso's been training with the team for almost all of 2009, so there's no way he won't be backing up Mandanda against the "scary" Faroe Islands. And for Austria, Lloris will be back.

Next, what's the point of constantly calling up Diaby, Fanni, and Clichy and not playing them? Seriously. I can think of three other players who can surely and deserve to take up their spots.

As for the rest, same old, same old. Also, did Gourcuff get hurt in the CL match? Because he got substituted and that's rare, especially since the score was 0-0. It was be pathetic of Domenech not to call up such a great player when they are playing in Guingamp. Kinda like calling up Nasri for the Argentina friendly at the Velodrome and letting him watch from the bench. To sum all that up, I really really dislike Domenech.

[drac78]

Also, did Gourcuff get hurt in the CL match?

I heard he picked up a thigh knock against Maccabi Haifa and will be back after the 2 international games. This is good news for the Faroe Islands :D

[Yonathan]

and here's the squad:

Cédric CARRASSO (Bordeaux) - 27 ans - 0 sélection
Nicolas DOUCHEZ (Rennes) - 29 ans - 0 sélection
Hugo LLORIS (Lyon) - 22 ans - 5 sélection
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille) - 24 ans - 11 sélections

Eric ABIDAL (Barcelone) - 30 ans - 43 sélections
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal) - 24 ans - 2 sélections
Julien ESCUDE (FC Séville) - 30 ans - 10 sélections
Patrice EVRA (Manchester United) - 28 ans - 23 sélections
Rod FANNI (Rennes) - 27 ans - 3 sélections
William GALLAS (Arsenal) - 32 ans - 75 sélections
Bakary SAGNA (Arsenal) - 26 ans - 13 sélections
Sébastien SQUILLACI (FC Séville) - 29 ans - 16 sélections

Abou DIABY (Arsenal) - 23 ans - 2 sélections
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux) - 28 ans - 21 sélections
Lassana DIARRA (Real Madrid) - 24 ans - 23 sélections
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea) - 29 ans - 46 sélections
Franck RIBERY (Bayern Munich) - 26 ans - 41 sélections
Moussa SISSOKO (Toulouse) - 20 ans - 0 sélection
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon) - 26 ans - 29 sélections

Nicolas ANELKA (Chelsea) - 30 ans - 60 sélections
Karim BENZEMA (Real Madrid) - 21 ans - 25 sélections
André-Pierre GIGNAC (Toulouse) - 23 ans - 6 sélections
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon) - 30 ans - 39 sélections
Thierry HENRY (Barcelone) - 32 ans - 113 sélections


so this time, the player-who's-only-there-so-the-media-focuses-on-him-and-not-on-Domenech is...Douchez. Seriously, FOUR gks?! wtf? ...and yes there are FOUR defensive midfielders in the squad...which is normal since we're playing against Brazil and...no wait it's Austria and the Faroe Islands...Still no Cheyrou...

I hope we lose against the Faroe Islands!


wtf four gk?!! Is he crazy or something???

[ketcchyshubby]

hi guys.. lets check the players whom domenech called for the matches against far oer and austria (:

lets see how many africans

Mandanda, Abidal, Evra, Clichy, Fanni, Gallas, Sagna, Diaby, Lassanna Diarra, Alou Diarra, Malouda, Moussa Sissoko, Anelka, Benzema, Govou, Henry.


DAMN! not being racist or anything, some of the names i cited are actually players who were born in france, but most of them aren't, it's really sad imo.


talking about football now, they have a really good team, if they only had a good coach, they could win anything.

[talk2smc]

you dont really understand the history of France, or the FFF then talking about players born in France v Africans, etc.

i wil stay out of this debate as usually it ends with A. an ignorant individual B. me getting heated.

anyway, everyone you named is fine to play for France.


strange picks to say the least tho. :confused:

[drac78]

to be honest, some players chose France over the country of their parents or whatever just for glory. Look at Mandanda, he plays for France and his younger brother plays for DR Congo, he had played for the French u16 team before that...he probably realized he wasn't good enough to ever play for the French NT. There's also Benzema who had received a call up to the Algerian NT but refused, and let's face it, he has more chances to win the WC with France than win anything at all with Algeria..

now I don't mind them playing for France at all but some of them would be playing for another country if they weren't that good..

[ketcchyshubby]

you dont really understand the history of France, or the FFF then talking about players born in France v Africans, etc.

i wil stay out of this debate as usually it ends with A. an ignorant individual B. me getting heated.

anyway, everyone you named is fine to play for France.


strange picks to say the least tho. :confused:

Of course it's fine. As you say they all have some kind of connection with France, but if I were french, I just would like to see more FRENCH people. That's all.

Still, maybe it's better to play with these "africans" on the team cause they're the best France has to offer, sadly.

[Yonathan]

Of course it's fine. As you say they all have some kind of connection with France, but if I were french, I just would like to see more FRENCH people. That's all.

Still, maybe it's better to play with these "africans" on the team cause they're the best France has to offer, sadly.

huh you think so well fine, then Giuseppe Rossi can't play for Italy:rolleyes:

[TheLionLyon]

Of course it's fine. As you say they all have some kind of connection with France, but if I were french, I just would like to see more FRENCH people. That's all.

Still, maybe it's better to play with these "africans" on the team cause they're the best France has to offer, sadly.

Well, I guess Domenech should have called up Yoann Gourcuff, oh wait! Going by your logic, Gourcuff wouldn't be "French" as his parents are Breton, who originated from the United Kingdom. At least Domenech called up Sebastien Squillaci........oh no! Squillaci's of Italian descent. Guess he's not French, either. Maybe Gignac..........nah his mother's Algerian, so he doesn't count either. Domenech could have called up Mexes and Flamini, but.......no not them too. Mexes has Portuguese heritage and Flamini has Italian heritage. Crap. :rolleyes:

I hope you see where I am going with this.

[Yonathan]

Well, I guess Domenech should have called up Yoann Gourcuff, oh wait! Going by your logic, Gourcuff wouldn't be "French" as his parents are Breton, who originated from the United Kingdom. At least Domenech called up Sebastien Squillaci........oh no! Squillaci's of Italian descent. Guess he's not French, either. Maybe Gignac..........nah his mother's Algerian, so he doesn't count either. Domenech could have called up Mexes and Flamini, but.......no not them too. Mexes has Portuguese heritage and Flamini has Italian heritage. Crap. :rolleyes:

I hope you see where I am going with this.

Wow I didn't know that but I see your point hehe:)

[drac78]

Wow I didn't know that but I see your point hehe:)

I didn't know about Gourcuff, Mexes and Gignac either :p TheLionLyon's knowledge of French football is pretty impressive ;)

[ketcchyshubby]

I didn't know about Gourcuff, Mexes and Gignac either :p TheLionLyon's knowledge of French football is pretty impressive ;)

Well, I guess Domenech should have called up Yoann Gourcuff, oh wait! Going by your logic, Gourcuff wouldn't be "French" as his parents are Breton, who originated from the United Kingdom. At least Domenech called up Sebastien Squillaci........oh no! Squillaci's of Italian descent. Guess he's not French, either. Maybe Gignac..........nah his mother's Algerian, so he doesn't count either. Domenech could have called up Mexes and Flamini, but.......no not them too. Mexes has Portuguese heritage and Flamini has Italian heritage. Crap. :rolleyes:

I hope you see where I am going with this.

Oh yeah, I can see. I wasn't talking about that actually, I was talking about the many africans who weren't born in France, that are now playing or being called up sometimes by Domenech. I listed all the africans in the squad 'cause I really didn't know where they were born, was checking and most of them are born in France, but some of them are born in french colonies, I mean it's ok for me I'm just saying, if they're mixed ethnic groups that's cool, but I'd like to see more Toulalans, if you get what I mean. :D

Actuallyy, I wouldn't like to see I'm just saying Toulalan is 100% french, or maybe he has some foreign parents, TheLyonLyon? ;D

[TheLionLyon]

Mandanda, Abidal, Evra, Clichy, Fanni, Gallas, Sagna, Diaby, Lassanna Diarra, Alou Diarra, Malouda, Moussa Sissoko, Anelka, Benzema, Govou, Henry.

Oh yeah, I can see. I wasn't talking about that actually, I was talking about the many africans who weren't born in France, that are now playing or being called up sometimes by Domenech. I listed all the africans in the squad 'cause I really didn't know where they were born, was checking and most of them are born in France, but some of them are born in french colonies

Out of all those players you posted, only two (Evra and Mandanda) were born outside of France (I excluded Malouda because when he was born, he was born French) and both of them moved to France when they were young. I'm going to assume you meant one or two of their parents were born outside of France. Either way, by FIFA law and by our Constitution makes them French.

I get what you are saying about the "100% French" comment, but it really doesn't make any sense. Go to the England's national team page and complain about Capello not calling up "100% English" players because surely Jermain Defoe, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Emile Heskey, Aaron Lennon, Wes Brown, Ashley Young, and Carlton Cole's families weren't born and raised in England. :rolleyes:

[Yonathan]

Out of all those players you posted, only two (Evra and Mandanda) were born outside of France (I excluded Malouda because when he was born, he was born French) and both of them moved to France when they were young. I'm going to assume you meant one or two of their parents were born outside of France. Either way, by FIFA law and by our Constitution makes them French.

I get what you are saying about the "100% French" comment, but it really doesn't make any sense. Go to the England's national team page and complain about Capello not calling up "100% English" players because surely Jermain Defoe, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Emile Heskey, Aaron Lennon, Wes Brown, Ashley Young, and Carlton Cole's families weren't born and raised in England. :rolleyes:

totally agree.

[talk2smc]

the thing people always have a problem understanding is WHERE you were BORN doesnt make WHO you are. :rolleyes:

think of all the USA babies born from parents in the armed forces around the world. if one was born in a Germany base, does it make the kid not American? no. :rolleyes:

these people are French, or possibly hold dual citizenship. the point is...they are French. regardless of if they were born in Africa, etc.

[ketcchyshubby]

What you guys are saying is totally right, maybe I'm just used to see people from my country representing me. I am from Argentina, even if we have a lot of european mixes in our country I can assure we're all 100% argentinian. I get what you guys mean though. :P




Actually here there are a lot of inmigrants too (living in Italy) so probably in a couple of years we'll also see a lot of italians that have foreign parents (possibly Balotelli in a near future, if Lippi stops a bit with this fear of young players).

Sorry for bringing out this anyway, France has a great team, and with a capable coach they could win a lot, seriously.

[ketcchyshubby]

the thing people always have a problem understanding is WHERE you were BORN doesnt make WHO you are. :rolleyes:

think of all the USA babies born from parents in the armed forces around the world. if one was born in a Germany base, does it make the kid not American? no. :rolleyes:

these people are French, or possibly hold dual citizenship. the point is...they are French. regardless of if they were born in Africa, etc.

I don't agree with this, maybe Mandanda or Evra or Malouda love their african country more than they "love" France, they just know that playing for France gives you more chances to win important things than playing for any other african team, sadly.

[talk2smc]

I don't agree with this, maybe Mandanda or Evra or Malouda love their african country more than they "love" France, they just know that playing for France gives you more chances to win important things than playing for any other african team, sadly.

youre missing the point again, im afraid.
you keep saying their african country...
its just the place of their birth, not their "african" country. same as if you were born here in NYC, then moved to Argentina at 2. wouldnt you consider yourself an Argentine still, or could i call you American?

look- Zidane was born in Marseille. his parents werent French, they were both Algerian.
Vieira was born in Senegal but moved to France when he was 8 with his family, only ever played for France.


whos French? whos African? see the point?

they are both French. end of. or am i missing something...


what is Camoranesi? Argentine or Italian? Rossi? American or Italian? this debate can go on and on, but the point is where someone is born doesnt determine who they play for or vice versa.

the only possible grey area is when a player plays for one youth NT, and then when they jump to the sn NT they choose a different one- perhaps with a better chance of success. see the case of that American player- cant pull his name out- who was USA YNT, and then popped over to Serbia etc.

[ketcchyshubby]

youre missing the point again, im afraid.
you keep saying their african country...
its just the place of their birth, not their "african" country. same as if you were born here in NYC, then moved to Argentina at 2. wouldnt you consider yourself an Argentine still, or could i call you American?

look- Zidane was born in Marseille. his parents werent French, they were both Algerian.
Vieira was born in Senegal but moved to France when he was 8 with his family, only ever played for France.


whos French? whos African? see the point?

they are both French. end of. or am i missing something...


what is Camoranesi? Argentine or Italian? Rossi? American or Italian? this debate can go on and on, but the point is where someone is born doesnt determine who they play for or vice versa.

the only possible grey area is when a player plays for one youth NT, and then when they jump to the sn NT they choose a different one- perhaps with a better chance of success. see the case of that American player- cant pull his name out- who was USA YNT, and then popped over to Serbia etc.

Camoranesi is argentine, lived a big part of his life in Italy, so he probably feels italian, but he only chose Italy coz he would have never been called by Argentina. And until this moment Italy doesn't have any good substitutes of Camoranesi in his position, Argentina does.

Rossi feels italian and he said so, I just didn't know the biographies of the players I listed at first, I was just saying they were "africans" in some way, when we all know France is not a place with a majority of african people (well maybe NOW in 2009 we can argue about that tho).

And GOD, no, I would never say Domenech is a capable coach, I don't even know why he's still there. LOL.

[sportsmen]

the only possible grey area is when a player plays for one youth NT, and then when they jump to the sn NT they choose a different one- perhaps with a better chance of success. see the case of that American player- cant pull his name out- who was USA YNT, and then popped over to Serbia etc.
It's our guy Neven Subotić, perhaps?

[talk2smc]

It's our guy Neven Subotić, perhaps?

thats him yea..couldnt grab his name out...

yea, thats the only circumstance i can think of where arguments like this might have merit. as he played for U21s with one country, but chose the other sn team when called.

however, it is my opinion that its still the players choice, and if he choose Serbia so be it. for whatever reason he did, its his choice, and those are the current rules.

but i can understand a bit of bitterness. but thats not the same situation as someone simply being born in another country, but playing for another. ie. born in Senegal, plays for France etc.

[drac78]

yea, thats the only circumstance i can think of where arguments like this might have merit. as he played for U21s with one country, but chose the other sn team when called.


Steve Mandanda's younger brother did that too, except it was the u16 and not the u21 team.

But what about players who were born and raised in France but play for another country like Chamakh, Ziani, Chrétien...? Don't you think they would be playing for France if they weren't better (I'm not saying they suck but they're not on the same level as Henry, Ribery etc)

Take Assou-Ekotto, he refused to play for Cameroon for a long time hoping he would play for France, but then he realized Evra, Abidal and Clichy were better and finally accepted to play for Cameroon...

My point is, I'm not denying that players like Benzema or Steve Mandanda have been raised in France, and can play for France, but they would be more than happy to play for Algeria and DR Congo if they weren't good enough for France.

[Yonathan]

Steve Mandanda's younger brother did that too, except it was the u16 and not the u21 team.

But what about players who were born and raised in France but play for another country like Chamakh, Ziani, Chrétien...? Don't you think they would be playing for France if they weren't better (I'm not saying they suck but they're not on the same level as Henry, Ribery etc)

IMO he has the capacity to play for France.