Domenech takes over as French coach

RAYMOND DOMENECH, a French federation employee for the last 11 years, has succeeded Jacques Santini as the new France football coach on Monday.

And he vowed to put a smile back on fans’ faces.

“I want this to be the people’s team. I want to recreate joy in the side. It’s not my mission project, my mission is to win, but it’s one of my jobs,” said the 52-year-old, who has been France U21 coach since 1993. He was seen as a safe choice to work alongside 1998 World Cup coach Aime Jacquet, who is the National Coaching Director.