Domenech poised to remain as French coach

Published on Monday 13 October 2008 21:50

FRANCE head coach Raymond Domenech insists he is focused on getting another good performance out of his team in tonight's friendly against Tunisia rather than worrying about the outcome of the meeting which is expected to decide his future with the national team.

Domenech, left in charge but told he needed results after France's shock group-stage exit from Euro 2008, will find out after a French Football Federation meeting tomorrow whether he will be allowed to stay on.

"It's not my problem," said Domenech yesterday when asked about the meeting. "The only thing that counts for me is that the team qualify for the World Cup."

France's fightback from two goals down for a 2-2 draw in Romania in a World Cup Group 7 qualifier on Saturday has made Domenech's position a lot more comfortable. The abrasive Domenech, who had been criticised by FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes for communicating poorly, kept an uncharacteristically low profile and found the right words to motivate his team at half-time.

More importantly, the 2006 World Cup runners-up played as a team with some clever moves sparked by exciting new playmaker Yoann Gourcuff and inspirational forward Franck Ribery, who returned to the side after a long injury break. The best way for Domenech to prepare for tomorrow's meeting would be a convincing performance from his team against Tunisia at the Stade de France.

Domenech, who has had a difficult relationship with some of his players and the media for years, received the backing of leading members of the side, starting with Ribery and forward Thierry Henry, the captain on Saturday. "I won't say I don't care because it would be wrong, but the thing that really matters to me is what they show on the pitch," Domenech said of the support from his players.

The French media, who have criticised Domenech relentlessly since the Euro 2008 fiasco, are also now predicting the controversial 56-year-old will escape the axe.

"It's looking good for Domenech," read Monday's front-page headline of sports daily L'Equipe.

France, fourth in Group 7, two points behind leaders Serbia and Lithuania, still face a struggle to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa and need to solve the defensive problems that led them to concede six goals in three qualifiers.

Domenech, however, is in a resolutely confident mood. "It's a certainty, we'll go all the way (to the finals]," he declared after the Romania match.