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Editorial June 2010
Soccerphile Editorial - June 2010
Better not to know?
Question marks have to be raised about the notion of heading into a World Cup finals knowing your national team coach will - win or lose - be out of his job once the tournament closes.
There was evidence on show in France's first game, their ugly, uninspiring goalless draw with Uruguay. Further proof arrived 48 hours later when Australia's tired squad under departing Dutchman Pim Verbeek were run ragged by Germany, while Italy hardly impressed against Paraguay in their Group F opener a day later.
Former Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli will take over as Italy boss when Marcello Lippi steps down after the World Cup.
But last night's apathetic appearance by outbound French manager Raymond Domenech was unforgivable for many supporters of Les Bleus.
France were second best to a vibrant Mexico side last night, falling 2-0 and barely seeming bothered about their deflating World Cup 2010 chances in a dire second-half display by the players.
But any struggling player searching for some optimism on the touchlines would have been sadly disappointed.
Domenech rarely moved from his position slumped against the dugout, giving the air of a man who not only didn't know his best approach but didn’t quite care.
His expression never changed once; the detachment from his players apparent. After the humbling loss, Domenech admitted he didn’t know what to say to the players, most of who will be the first to be glad to be rid of him.
After six years of virtually constant criticism from former players as well as current squad members, the former France under-21 manager will be replaced by former Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc after the finals.
We must remember that Domenech did lead France to the 2006 World Cup final but flopped in Euro 2008, finishing the group stage without a win, and only just pipped the Irish to these finals in a controversial playoff win.
There is no word on where he'll pitch up next but, following the announcement of Blanc's ensuring arrival barely three weeks before the opening ceremony, you get the feeling he's no longer all that bothered about French football.
Domench's methods in the top job have enraged and surprised in equal measure, but even he has gone too far this time.
"If we had the answers then we could have done something about it," he said last night, admitting France were left praying for a miracle and simply playing "for honour" in the final group A match against hosts South Africa next Tuesday.
Australia, meanwhile, face Ghana on Saturday against a backdrop of accusations of team disharmony and fallouts with Verbeek.
Some Socceroos reportedly went directly to the Australian football federation about Verbeek's team selection and tactics in the 4-0 thumping by Germany when the Dutchman changed his approach at the eleventh hour.
And why wouldn’t they, safe in the knowledge that Verbeek will be safely ensconced into his new job at the Moroccan FA by August, a job he has already been presented to the local press about.
Harry Kewell, Josh Kennedy and Mark Bresciano played no part in the Group D opener, while Vinnie Grella was replaced at half-time. Reports have since suggested that friends Bresciano and Grella confronted the disillusioned coach demanding answers.
What's certain is that they'll be carrying the can for Australia's World Cup failings far longer than Verbeek.
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