Domenech puts foot in it with England B jibe
Domenech’s comments will, doubtless, be employed as a motivational tool by the Republic ahead of the first leg at Croke Park on Saturday, November 14.
Domenech said: “Whoever our opponents were, I would have said the same thing, the objective is to qualify: but now it’s Ireland, we just have to get on with it. The advantage is that everyone knows them. They are a sort of England B side. They all play in the English league so all our players know them: some of our players play alongside them, while others against them. There will be no surprises. We know what to expect and we know what we have to do.”
The Frenchman paid tribute to Ireland’s record in their qualifying group: “They have not lost during the qualification period, and they only drew against Italy in their last match because of a last-minute goal. We know they are a solid side, they’re all Premier League players. They’re tough, but we are too.”
The French manager is no stranger to controversy – he has a keen interest in astrology and is known to distrust players with the birth signs of Scorpio and Leo (“When I have got a Leo in defence, I’ve always got my gun ready, as I know he’s going to want to show off at one moment or another and cost us,” he has said).
The French manager has also admitted to reading tarot cards to learn more about his players’ personalities.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool boss Gérard Houllier sees the Ireland-France World Cup play-off as “fifty-fifty” and has paid tribute to the “Irish spirit and supporters”.
“Deep down I was certain that we would be playing Ireland,” said Houllier. “We didn’t want to meet them and they didn’t want to meet us. Now everyone’s happy! That said, I thought the most difficult opponent would have been the Ukraine, who are in good form and seem a better team to me, with Ireland having a little trouble towards the end of its qualifying group.”
Houllier welcomed the luck of the draw which gave France a home game in the return leg. “That’s the most important thing. The first game canalmost determine qualification but I think the atmosphere at the return game will be extraordinary, with huge passion. The last matches France played – against Romania (1-1),Serbia (1-1), the Faroe Islands (5-0) and Austria (3-1) strengthened the bond between the team and the public.”
Asked what France must do to beat Ireland, Houllier said that was a question for Domenech. “He’s the manager. Raymond has a staff to study the Irish but I think it’ll benecessary first for France to concentrate on their own game. Personally I have huge appreciation for the quality of the French play in their recent games.
“Everybody knows their (Ireland’s) spirit – their players are competitors and they have a squad capable of putting a good rhythm of play together but I’m certain there will be moments to exploit as well. Ireland have a very good tactician in Giovanni Trapattoni, and formidable support.”
France’s World Cup-winning captain Didier Deschamps sounded a note of caution about the Trapattoni factor.
“He has kept their qualities, but he has given them something extra in terms of tactical discipline,” said the midfielder, who briefly worked under the Italian at Juventus in the 1990s. “He is a coach with great experience at club and international level, and he has huge knowledge. I am sure he has passed on all his experience.”
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