Frey Quits France

[Fonsos]

http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2008/20080821_171841_frey-arrete-la-selection_Dev.html

Can someone explain to me when did players start quitting their national teams because they were not selected? In Frey's case, I think this is insanely stupid. It comes off sounding like a cry baby and this is definitely different from the Trezeguet debacle (I honestly think something's up between Ray and Trezeguet), Frey on the other was called into the Euro2008 squad and last I checked the only keeper used in that tournament was Coupet. I'm also under the impression that Coupet won't be called back anytime soon and I was also under the impression that the #1 GK spot was definitely between he and Mandanda.

Perplexed look on my face, can someone explain this one to a brotha?

:confused:
Fonsos

[lefutur]

I think its turned into a form of protest against the Domenech "regime".

[Fung]

Let's see, Frey is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and has played at a extremely high level in Italy for years. He is now 28 years old, and have a total of 2 caps for France. He was called up for the Euro 2008, didn't play a minute however, and was snubbed for the match against Sweden. I am sure it has reached a point where it simply feels pointless for him to even go to international matches so he might aswell focus entirely on Fiorentina.

[TheGrimSweeper]

On behalf of a fan of the Italian NT, I thank Domenech for his unparalleled ignorance so that France will never win anything.

[B Rock]

Let's see, Frey is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and has played at a extremely high level in Italy for years. He is now 28 years old, and have a total of 2 caps for France. He was called up for the Euro 2008, didn't play a minute however, and was snubbed for the match against Sweden. I am sure it has reached a point where it simply feels pointless for him to even go to international matches so he might aswell focus entirely on Fiorentina.

Agreed. He's not even in the reckoning for France from reports. Apparently Loris and Mandanta are the two in the running for the #1 job.

Its a joke and a disgrace frankly. Neither Loris or Mandanta have the experience or talent at this point to jump Frey for the job.

Domenech out.

[zizouForlife]

being 28 years experienced player like him (having been in top flight soccer for lot of years), you shouldn't be on your knee's begging domenech to be in the national team. why continue when they is no hope ( its clear france will win its 3 games in world cup qualifying). the coach will keep his favorites. the coach should be seeking your, not the other way round, his a proven player, what else does he have to show

[Fonsos]

I think it was two weeks ago when Frey stated to the media that his concern was Fiorentina and he could take it or leave it regarding France - something along those lines and if someone can find the quote, please post and correct me if I'm wrong. My take then was that he knew he wouldn't be called up for the friendly against Sweden. I somehow didn't think that was a big deal - seeing how only two keepers were called into camp and how there were more than a few new faces on hand for evaluation and for a Friendly. Hell, Anelka didn't play in the match. Come to think of it, has anyone learned from Anelka and what he experienced with snubs et al? Apparently not.

Now, I don't think any country should beg a player to represent them. I don't care who it is or how good they are. I'm old chool that way and am constantly perplexed when a player retires from their National team because they essentially didn't get what they want. It makes no sense to me and it seems to be a French thing. None of the Italian players whom many felt should have been called up for the Euros retired from the Nats, Raul didn't do it with Spain and he sure as hell has a reason to be frustrated.

Now, regarding Frey's age, we all know 28 is young for a goalkeeper. Coupet is 35 and when he was on the bench a few years back behind Barthez in the Coupe du Monde, he was 32 and he had a bigger reason to be pissed since he was clearly a better keeper than Barthez that season. I'm not sure which reports some of you have seen from French newspapers but his voluntary retirement is just flat out Stupid.

Whether or not you like Domenech is one thing but unless Frey didn't tell us something, he's not forcing players to resign from the National team.

A+,
Fonsos

[jpg75]

I can't believe Domenech is still the coach, how can this guy constantly alienate players and still have a job!? :confused:

[Fonsos]

I can't believe Domenech is still the coach, how can this guy constantly alienate players and still have a job!? :confused:

Two things -


1. as a coach of a National Team, he's entrusted with selecting those players
whom he feels are the best. Regardless of what we think. I'm not sure how
it can be compared to alienating players since it's not their club team and
it's not their right to represent their national team.

2. He's gotten this team to a World Cup Final. How many other coaches can
say they've done such a thing in their career? Based on that alone, he's
more than earned the right to keep his job. Don't tell me about Italy
because I think that was very wrong. Donadoni shouldn't have been fired
based on Euro2008. France is one of the few and I believe the only
country to win a World Cup and then win the European Championships
afterward, so it's tough feat to accomplish.

I think sometimes as fans we forget 1. when defending favorite players and that's another conversation.

Alfonso

[TheGrimSweeper]

Two things -


1. as a coach of a National Team, he's entrusted with selecting those players
whom he feels are the best. Regardless of what we think. I'm not sure how
it can be compared to alienating players since it's not their club team and
it's not their right to represent their national team.

2. He's gotten this team to a World Cup Final. How many other coaches can
say they've done such a thing in their career? Based on that alone, he's
more than earned the right to keep his job. Don't tell me about Italy
because I think that was very wrong. Donadoni shouldn't have been fired
based on Euro2008. France is one of the few and I believe the only
country to win a World Cup and then win the European Championships
afterward, so it's tough feat to accomplish.

I think sometimes as fans we forget 1. when defending favorite players and that's another conversation.

Alfonso

But how can you defend Domenechs blatant bias against players that are in SerieA?

[zizouForlife]

But how can you defend Domenechs blatant bias against players that are in SerieA?

has that been proven, or are the players like trez not compatible with domenech plans

[Fonsos]

But how can you defend Domenechs blatant bias against players that are in SerieA?

I don't think it's a bias towards Serie A.
Remember before he got hurt this summmer, Mexes was called into camp and he started as the Central Defender this week and it's safe to assume in my opinion that it's his job until someone much better comes along for les bleus. Also called into camp for the past summer Euro2008 was:
Flamini - Arsenal / Milan
Viera - Inter (shouldn't have been there at all).

When Thuram was at Juventus, he was called in for France under Ray, so I don't think he has a bias towards Serie A players. Don't forget Frey was on this past summer's Euro2008 team and Landreau was dropped - originally the #2.

Fonsos

[jpg75]

Two things -


1. as a coach of a National Team, he's entrusted with selecting those players
whom he feels are the best. Regardless of what we think. I'm not sure how
it can be compared to alienating players since it's not their club team and
it's not their right to represent their national team.

2. He's gotten this team to a World Cup Final. How many other coaches can
say they've done such a thing in their career? Based on that alone, he's
more than earned the right to keep his job. Don't tell me about Italy
because I think that was very wrong. Donadoni shouldn't have been fired
based on Euro2008. France is one of the few and I believe the only
country to win a World Cup and then win the European Championships
afterward, so it's tough feat to accomplish.

I think sometimes as fans we forget 1. when defending favorite players and that's another conversation.

Alfonso

Thanks for the lecture. Let's make one thing clear, France made it to the finals of the 2006 WC despite Domenech. If you want to hand out credit someone to someone for that result i suggest you send your card to Zizou.

Anyways, it's pretty clear the man is a total fool in terms of player selection. A clear bias towards selecting current and former Lyon players, the whole Astrology crap (don't even get me started) and he holds grudges against his wifes former ex's - Giuly was total class at Barca a few years ago and didn't get a sniff.

Dump his Ass.

[Fung]

Flamini - Arsenal / Milan
Viera - Inter (shouldn't have been there at all).


Fonsos

Flamini wasnt in Euro 2008 ? And besides, France was close to 100% dependent on Zidane to get far in the World Cup.

[Fonsos]

Thanks for the lecture. Let's make one thing clear, France made it to the finals of the 2006 WC despite Domenech. If you want to hand out credit someone to someone for that result i suggest you send your card to Zizou.

I'm giving another lecture in about an hour. Check it out. Look based on your logic, France should have been out of the last World Cup since Zizou couldn't play (yellow card accumulation) in a crucial match they needed to win in order to advance. To hell with the defenders on the team in which he played with, Zizou kept the other team from scoring. Look, I'm a Zizou fan but damn well didn't do it by himself and without him they managed to alright. You do remember that Zizou wouldn't return unless a certin Thuram and Makelele also returned to play? But we'll stick with your statement that the credit should go to Zizou.


Anyways, it's pretty clear the man is a total fool in terms of player selection. A clear bias towards selecting current and former Lyon players, the whole Astrology crap (don't even get me started) and he holds grudges against his wifes former ex's - Giuly was total class at Barca a few years ago and didn't get a sniff.

Dump his Ass.

You mean the same Lyon players whom actually performed rather well for France when they were called up? You know, I've heard the astrology crap and wonder how much of it is B.S. that a number of people have latched on to without seeing the joke. Giuly was also unfortunate to be at the peak of his game the same time as a number of other players where for les bleus during the last World Cup. So, you would have called in Giuly ahead of Cisse at the time? You've got a good argument started with that one. I do remember that Giuly was also on holiday down under when Cisse had the freak broken leg and coupled with Giuly's rant about not being called up I'm convinced was the reason why Sidney Govou was called into the team. You do remember that he was on the bench for most of that tournament but put in a good performance when he got his chance and never whined publicly - to the best of my knowledge - about the entire thing.

We go from Frey to the classic Ray picked the wrong team in this thread. Good, good. So since you've brought it up, what XI would you have called?
Curious.

Fonsos

[jpg75]

I'm giving another lecture in about an hour. Check it out. Look based on your logic, France should have been out of the last World Cup since Zizou couldn't play (yellow card accumulation) in a crucial match they needed to win in order to advance. To hell with the defenders on the team in which he played with, Zizou kept the other team from scoring. Look, I'm a Zizou fan but damn well didn't do it by himself and without him they managed to alright. You do remember that Zizou wouldn't return unless a certin Thuram and Makelele also returned to play? But we'll stick with your statement that the credit should go to Zizou.

Knock it off with the condescention.

Read what i said, my point was they made it despite Domenech. If you wanted to give out credit like you were with Domenech i'd rather give it to Zizou since i don't think we make it to the final without him. Nowhere did i say he was solely responsible for the finals appearance, but if not for him i don't think the team gets that far. Look at the Q campaigns for both '06 and '08, and the results in the '08 Euro finals. That's probably what we have seen at the WC if it wasn't for Zizou.


You mean the same Lyon players whom actually performed rather well for France when they were called up? You know, I've heard the astrology crap and wonder how much of it is B.S. that a number of people have latched on to without seeing the joke. Giuly was also unfortunate to be at the peak of his game the same time as a number of other players where for les bleus during the last World Cup. So, you would have called in Giuly ahead of Cisse at the time? You've got a good argument started with that one. I do remember that Giuly was also on holiday down under when Cisse had the freak broken leg and coupled with Giuly's rant about not being called up I'm convinced was the reason why Sidney Govou was called into the team. You do remember that he was on the bench for most of that tournament but put in a good performance when he got his chance and never whined publicly - to the best of my knowledge - about the entire thing.

Not a Govou or Cisse fan so yes i would have called Giuly, and i would have done it well before the last WC.

Not saying all Lyon players suck, but the man clearly has a hard-on for them. He has his biases, that's all i'm saying.


We go from Frey to the classic Ray picked the wrong team in this thread. Good, good. So since you've brought it up, what XI would you have called?
Curious.

This goes beyond the last game. It's about man management skills, which he has shown repeatedly he has none. If Frey was not selected, let him know why. Talk to the guy! A normal human being doesn't let this happen.

[Fonsos]

Knock it off with the condescention.

Read what i said, my point was they made it despite Domenech. If you wanted to give out credit like you were with Domenech i'd rather give it to Zizou since i don't think we make it to the final without him. Nowhere did i say he was solely responsible for the finals appearance, but if not for him i don't think the team gets that far. Look at the Q campaigns for both '06 and '08, and the results in the '08 Euro finals. That's probably what we have seen at the WC if it wasn't for Zizou.

I didn't start the condescending, I think your "lecture" remark started it. Again, to place it solely on Zizou doesn't acknowledge the others and again he wouldn't have even been on the damn team had both Thuram and Makelele not agreed to come out of retirement, so again, no I won't place it solely on Zizou. I definitely like the chances with him than without him but the defense was outstanding and led to France having the second best GAA in the tournament behind the winners - last World Cup.


Not a Govou or Cisse fan so yes i would have called Giuly, and i would have done it well before the last WC.

Not saying all Lyon players suck, but the man clearly has a hard-on for them. He has his biases, that's all i'm saying.


Had you called in Giuly over Cisse or Govou, I don't think many people would have been upset, I would have liked to seen Giuly on the team but going with Cisse, whom at that time was in damn good form, or Govou who had a good season, were not bad choices or options to have. Either one would be an easy first choice for most countries that aren't Brazil, Argentina or Italy.


This goes beyond the last game. It's about man management skills, which he has shown repeatedly he has none. If Frey was not selected, let him know why. Talk to the guy! A normal human being doesn't let this happen.

How in the hell would you know? Are you involved with the squad? Who knows what conversation they had. Does he speak with others when he doesn't call them up? I dunno players like Ribery and Benzema speaking in favor of Ray keeping his job well before a decision was reached might say otherwise. Players whom were not called into the squad making such remarks come off sounding like spoiled brats, unless it's something drastic. I sure as hell don't know what his man management skills are like but I'm gonna take a guess that you also don't have intimate knowledge of his man management skills. A guy saying he didn't receive a phone call about not being called up means exactly what? It means someone is putting their business out there when they probably shouldn't but hey that's their prerogative. What's the motivation for doing such a thing? Get the media to help put pressure on getting a call up? Well, you gotta like Domenech for not giving a damn what the media or public thinks because that hasn't worked with him. My understanding is that it has happened alot more often than one would imagine and in a number of countries.

A+,
Fonsos

[Inara]

Going back to the original topic at hand, I ranted about Frey's "retirement" elsewhere, so I'll just repost here.

Unlike other spots, gk doesn’t undergo a lot of turnover. In the last 15 years, France have only had three #1 goalkeepers. That’s it. There is a pecking order, and Coupet was #1. Frey isn’t going to displace him. Domenech was fair in that he finally gave that #2 spot to Frey for Euro 2008 despite Landreau playing in so many of the qualifiers.

I just don’t get what Frey is complaining about. What does he expect? The Sweden friendly is France’s first game since the Euros, and it was a team missing many of the regulars. If Frey kept his mouth shut, he probably would have been called up for WC qualifiers because I don’t think Coupet would be staying as #1. But now he’s ended all chances of that.

Frey shouldn’t think he won’t have any more chances. If Coupet thought that, he would have quit seven years ago. Frey saying that he has a better chance with a different manager is also not the right thing to say because accusing Domenech of biasness (when there hasn’t been any on Frey’s part) is only going to put the nail into his coffin. The next manager that comes along may decide to scrap Frey entirely if decies that Frey is a player who gives up so easily and doesn’t want to fight for his spot.

I also wanted to add that I’m not trying to be hard on Frey or anything. I understand that he’s frustrated and that he feels that he deserves more recognition. But I also feel that his attitude isn’t the right one. Situations like his are part and parcel of being an international player, and anyone aspiring to play for their country should know that a lot of factors go into selection, especially for a country like France, which is so loaded in talent. Maybe Frey is getting the short end of the stick from Domenech. But he should accept that. No need to have a sad press conference and say that he wants to focus on Fiorentina because the coach’s decision isn’t going his way.

Most NT coaches change every four years or sometimes even less than that, and everyone knows Domenech will be fired sooner or later. Frey should have kept his mouth shut and suffered in silence. Unlike Trezeguet, who has some justification to feel snubbed (and I don’t like Trezeguet’s outbursts either), Frey hasn’t been treated unfairly. He’s a goalkeeper, he should be aware of how hard that position is to get on the NT. Take Spain for example: Reina is a great gk, but he is the #2 because Casillas is ahead of him, and Almunia is waiting in the wings as well. That’s just the way it is.

[HADJI]

Who the hell cares. This guy is worthless at this point. I think France is doing the right thing by bringing on all of the young talent. Mandanda, Itandje and Lloris are the three French keepers of the future.

[Fonsos]

....

I just don’t get what Frey is complaining about. What does he expect? The Sweden friendly is France’s first game since the Euros, and it was a team missing many of the regulars. If Frey kept his mouth shut, he probably would have been called up for WC qualifiers because I don’t think Coupet would be staying as #1. But now he’s ended all chances of that.

This is the reason why I'm pissed at him. It's a friendly to look at others and now when I think about it, coupled with the fact that Serie A hasn't even started he shouldn't be upset at all.


....I also wanted to add that I’m not trying to be hard on Frey or anything. I understand that he’s frustrated and that he feels that he deserves more recognition. But I also feel that his attitude isn’t the right one. Situations like his are part and parcel of being an international player, and anyone aspiring to play for their country should know that a lot of factors go into selection, especially for a country like France, which is so loaded in talent. Maybe Frey is getting the short end of the stick from Domenech. But he should accept that. No need to have a sad press conference and say that he wants to focus on Fiorentina because the coach’s decision isn’t going his way....

Well put!!!!

A+,
Fonsos