Well, Santini made a smart move by announcing he's going to Tottenham after the Euro. Better sell yourself now than risk a loss of reputation that could come with a bad Euro performance (not likely...France all the way!!! ). So, now, who's next? The favorite has to be Deschamps. That CL run was perfect to raise his profile. Otherwise, I really don't see who's next in line. - Le Guen from Lyon? Second Lyon manager in a row... not likely - A return to the past with Houllier? God, no... - Could they tempt Wenger? Not likely to leave Arsenal now with the new ground coming up. - How about Raynald Denoueix? He surprised with Real Sociedad in 2002/03 and won a French title with Nantes. Could be interesting.
Boy, I forgot some obvious and stanger ones... - Phillipe Troussier led Japan in the 2002 World Cup - Jean Tigana ex-Fulham manager - Guy Roux Auxerre's manager - Luis Fernandez ex-PSG & current Espanyol manager - Eli Baup ex-Bordeaux - Raymond Domenech U-23 manager & ex-Lyon - Philippe Bergeroo U-17 manager & ex-Rennes if I'm not mistaken - René Girard U-20 manager How about Antonetti? Hey, he's free since St-Etienne "fired" him. Still my favorite is Deschamps. Then, Roux. He could easily be tempted since his stars are leaving this summer.
My vote would be Domenech but that won't happen unfortunately. Whoever gets appointed I hope will bring some new players and get rid of the Desailly, etc. Time to move on. iougs -
Deschamps would get my vote, but I don't know if it's too early in his coaching career to head Les Bleus.
Desailly has already announced that he would retire from international competition after the Euro 2004.
Can't wait to see what's gonna happen against England. Should be an interesting game. I assume TV5 will show the games involving les bleus. iougs -
Tigana seems to be the favourite. The FFF already tried in the past to get him as coach but Campora (his boss at that time) refused.
FFF policy in national coaches choices is continuity. For long time (i dont know when*), FFF always choosed coaches from DTN (National Technical Direction) or people they really know and appreciate (so we cant know that) * Platini was not in this case. But when Platini stopped to coach national team, Houiller took place. And Houiller was assistant of Platini. Then, when Houiller failed in qualifying France for WC94, Aime Jacquet took place. And Jacquet was assistant of Houiller. Then when Jacquet left after winning WC98, Lemerre, assistant of Jacquet took place. Well, Santini in another exception. But, I think I was prefered to other DTN coaches (Girard, Domenech) because of his ability to manage high level player. And his management options seduced FFF. It was delicate choice, because the coach must restore disciplin after some lack in it (one of the reasons of France failure in WC2002 was that players thought more to sponsors and wife than play and victory... but I will post a subject about it soon and the comparison with Euro 2004 preparation completly different). So we have to wait to get some infos to see clearer. Some of names written here are about to sign or are in contract with clubs... and FFF cant give the same amount of money that some clubs. It's why it's better to think FFF will choose someone who has experience of high level as player and coach, is free or own to FFF yet. Or very charismatic! Or is in contract but need to increase his reputation with a high function. Some of name written here are possibilities. It could be a big surprise as Laurent Blanc (Desailly .. I dont believe!) Or a name that nobody heard for a long time We will see...
OK !!! HERE ARE THE VERY FIRST NEWS... The name will not be known before the end of Euro, said FFF President Claude Simonet. I've heard 5 names on TV report : - Laurent Blanc - Didier Deschamps - Raymond Domenech - Reynald Denoueix - Jean Tigana
It will not be Deschamps! Officially, he stays at Monaco till 2007 Look at Eurosport article on Santini replacement : http://www.eurosport.com/home/pages/V3/L3/S22/E6106/sport_Lng3_Spo22_Evt6106_Sto597437.shtml
I think they are gonna go (this time) to a guy that's been with the DTN ... I don't think they'll bring an outsider. Domenech would be a good choice. iougs -
Well, what would be great would be the return of Aimé Jacquet, but after what the French press, and especially L'Equipe, put him through, that definitely won't happen. The idiots at L'Equipe couldn't distinguish between fair and legitimate criticism, versus just plain nastiness and chronic second-guessing. I don't blame Jacquet for leaving, but I miss the guy.
Did you ever see when France won the World Cup, during the celebrations on the pitch, Jacquet was asked if he'd ever forgive the French media and he said "Never!". It was inspiring.