Domenech: Les Bleus remain confident
France coach Raymond Domenech claims his team are still brimming with confidence even though their World Cup qualifying campaign has so far failed to fuel the imagination.
Les Bleus will face Israel on Wednesday evening looking to put some daylight between themselves and their opponents in the Group Four standings.
France, Israel and group leaders the Republic of Ireland are all level on nine points but, after three goalless draws and two unconvincing victories, Domenech’s side are finding themselves under increasing pressure to put in a good display especially after the 0-0 result at home against Switzerland on Saturday.
However, the coach himself believes a lack of confidence has little to do with their recent poor performances.
“Do the players doubt themselves after three goalless draws at home? I don’t know the answer in advance but I’m not worried,” Domenech said.
“Since the start of this qualifying competition all of the teams have drawn and shared the points. The truth will only be known at the end of this mini-tournament in October or November and where France are in the standings.
“But I don’t see why there would be any doubt. There is no more doubt and no less for this game.
"With every match there is doubt. It will be a difficult game against a team which took points against Switzerland and Ireland. They are an opponent who will pose problems for us.”
Yet despite his own belief in the team, Domenech will still remind his players of their abilities in his pre-match talk.
“I will tell them they certainly have the talent and the capacity,” he added. “It is necessary to do this and add a little more each time.”
Star striker Thierry Henry missed the meeting with Switzerland because of a calf injury, but the Arsenal man may return for the match at the Ramat Gan stadium.
Hosts Israel, meanwhile, come into the clash off a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Ireland on Saturday.
However, it is not all good news for coach Avraham Grant, who is facing a selection dilemma as injuries and suspensions take their toll on his team.
Arik Benado, Omer Golan and Abas Suan, who scored Israel’s goal at the weekend, are all banned after picking up yellow cards at the weekend – their second of the competition.
Defender Tal Ben-Haim (thigh) and Yossi Benayoun (dead leg) are also doubtful with Alon Harazi and Klemi Saban standing by as possible replacements for the duo.
