Domenech: France Manager or Not?

Raymond Domenech, France Manager… for now.

The French Football Federation (FFF) decided to keep Raymond Domenech as manager of the French National team through the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Domenech’s position was in serious jeopardy following France’s terrible result at UEFA Euro 2008. France did not advance pass the first round of UEFA Euro 2008. France was only able to muster two defeats, one draw, six goals against and only one goal for. France was the runner-up at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Jean-Pierre Escalettes, FFF president, said “The Executive Committee has maintained the manager in his post to prepare for the 2010 World Cup and redefined the terms of his mission and the conditions of management of the national team.”

Domenech kept his position by 18 votes for and one abstention.

Escalettes was clear that “this should be seen as a backing, but under conditions.”

The two conditions the FFF laid down regarded communication and the technical training. As a result, all players must now sign a communications “charter” and the FFF instituted Club France 2010.

The communications charter is pretty self-explanatory. Club France 2010 is what is most enlightening.

Club France 2010 will check on the progress of the national team and report to the FFF.

We definitely wish the best of luck to France in the upcoming 2010 World Cup. France definitely has a massive amount of talent to make a run for the title. The question will be if Domenech can handle the pressure from the FFF and not the pressure of preparing his team on the pitch.

The FFF’s memory is definitely short since Domenech led France to the 2006 World Cup final after only two years on the job. After all, Domenech’s French squad have won 30 of 54 matches with 7 defeats and 17 draws.

The only thing promised to managers these days is movement and instability.