After evaluating all possibilities, the FFF seems to have come up with the conclusion that it is not entirely Domenech’s fault that France got ridiculed in Austria/Switzerland. The press put heavy blame on the French manager ranging from team and squad selection, to the tactics and teamtalks. The ommission of David Trezeguet, who was in good form for Juventus, sparked a series of press criticism of Domenech’s mentality of overlooking players who play in Italy. Mexes and Flamini fell in this category and did not make the 23-man squad. It was thus a surprise that the FFF announced that it would respect Domenech’s contract.

“Domenech remains, provided some things change.” - Jean-Pierre Escalettes

However, Domenech will have to comply with three conditions:

• improved and more expansive style of play
• better organisation
• improved communication

At the beginning, they were tipped as potential winners, but their chances of success began deteriorating ever since they disappointed in the preparation friendlies against South American countries. I wish all French supporters who have been viewing this blog better luck in future competitions. You have a team with amazing players, but unfortunately, they did not combine together to achieve success this summer.

Regarding Italy, I must say the truth…I really hope your success does not last long and hope you will be eliminated against Spain or against Holland. You are NOT the best team in Euro 2008. Portugal, Spain and Holland are the teams to look out for, and the teams which deserve glory this year.

During the match against Italy, French star Franck Ribery had to be substituted early in the game after suffering an injury when he fell awkwardly after challenging Gianluca Zambrotta for the ball. Tests that were carried out later showed that Ribery had injured his knee and left ankle. The full extent of the injury is yet to be determined but Domenech has confirmed that Ribery has suffered a ‘nasty sprain’ and that he cannot walk. The injury to the best French player adds to the disappointment of France after their early exit from Euro 2008.

“He has a nasty ankle sprain. As for the knee, we’re not quite sure yet how serious the injury is. Further checks are needed. He’s walking on crutches; he can’t put his foot down.” - Raymond Domenech

The French Football Federation has set the 3rd July as the date when they will make the decision whether to fire Raymond Domenech or else to honour his contract. After failing to qualify from a difficult Group C without winning a single match, the media and the public have been calling for Domenech’s resignation, blaming his lack of communication skills as the reason for France’s European failure.

The FFF decided that it will not rush to make a decision and will not base its judgment on public opinion or what the media reports. After carrying out careful analysis, Domenech would have a meeting with President Jean-Pierre Escalettes, after which a decision will be taken based on Escalettes’ proposal in the meeting with the Federal council scheduled for the 3rd July. Escalettes seems to be backing Domenech, and would like to respect his contract which runs until 2010. He believes that Domenech has not yet finished his work with the French squad and he should remain the leader to make France successful in the coming World Cup.

“No rash decision on the future direction of the French team will be taken. It is necessary to take the time to analyse in the cold light of day the reasons and consequences of this elimination from Euro 2008 and to carry out a review of the work done over the last four years. President Jean-Pierre Escalettes will see Raymond Domenech at length. He will then submit his conclusions and proposals to the Federal council, whose next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 3.” - Statement on the FFF website

“In one’s life there are contracts,” he told French radio. “A responsible person is obliged to respect them. Raymond Domenech is the coach, he has a contract which runs till 2010, and a mission: to guide the French team to the 2010 World Cup finals.”

“We will take those decisions, and we are aware of a section of public opinion. But we neither govern based on public opinion nor on that of the press.” - Jean-Pierre Escalettes

“Yes, I am disappointed. But right now, after seeing the match and the players in the dressing room, I am proud of what they have shown.”

“We lost a player after 10 minutes, then saw Italy get a penalty and our player was sent off. That was a turning point.”

“That handed the result to Italy but I told them I am proud of what they did. I am proud to be their head coach. It is impossible to succeed having so many catastrophes on the pitch.” - Raymond Domenech

“It was a good performance. Perhaps we were playing better 11 against 11. After that, a bit of fear and nerves came in, but today it was a great response from all the lads.

“I never had any doubts. I knew that it would turn out like this. We’ve got a great group that really sticks together and has the right spirit.”

“Spain are a great team. We’ve got to be ready for them. The further we go the more difficult it’ll be. But we’ll be ready for them.” - Roberto Donadoni

Raymond Domenech has chosen the most unpredictable way to propose to his girlfriend Estelle Denis. While being interviewed, by M6, the TV Channel that Estelle works for, Domenech asked for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. This proposal came in the interview just after France’s loss to Italy, and the deserved exit from Euro 2008.

“The only thing I am thinking of now is getting married to Estelle. I asking her for her hand in marriage.” - Raymond Domenech on M6

After this interview, Domenech was asked about why he chose this momeent to propose to Estelle, and he said that it was just a thought that occurred to him, and that he wanted to show his love emotions even in this difficult moment for France.

“It was just a thought. Everyone was so sad and I thought to myself, ‘Life has its beautiful moments’.”

“You have to tell people you love them. In such difficult moments, you have to go to what’s important. I wanted to show some emotion.”

&border=0&rel=0&egm=0&color1=0x666666&color2=0xefefef' /> ]]> http://france.blogsfc.com/domenech-proposes-to-estelle-on-m6.html/feed http://france.blogsfc.com/video-france-vs-italy.html http://france.blogsfc.com/video-france-vs-italy.html#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:24 +0000 reddevilrooney http://france.blogsfc.com/video-france-vs-italy.html &border=0&rel=0&egm=0&color1=0x666666&color2=0xefefef' />

First Goal: Andrea Pirlo (Penalty)