Jacquet unimpressed by Domenech tenure
France may have qualified for the World Cup but the pressure has not eased on coach Raymond Domenech, who has come under fresh fire from World Cup-winning boss Aime Jacquet.
Jacquet, who was in charge when Les Bleus won the 1998 World Cup, has told France Football that Domenech should have been replaced following Euro 2008, and hit out at his former protege for his failure to address the failings of the team publicly.
“When holding a position like this, which was mine from 1994 to 1998, four years is enough,” Jacquet said. “There are too many factors that prevent you from working well (beyond that).
“I blame the (French Football Federation), they failed to understand this. It is a job you can only do for four years because you are so exposed.”
While France have been largely disappointing for at least the last two years, leaving Domenech clinging to his job, Jacquet believes the coach has done himself no favours by refusing to talk about what might be wrong with his team.
“Raymond should provide explanations on what has been happening, particularly since Euro 2008,” he said. “This is essential. It may be emotional, but we must talk football.”
Jacquet was unimpressed with France’s controversial victory over the Republic of Ireland in the qualification play-off, which saw them progress courtesy of a goal with a clear handball from Thierry Henry in the build-up.
“France played a bad game, but I have not heard any explanation about it,” Jacquet said. “I’m aware that a coach is judged on his results and if he gets them, he continues. But that does not prevent us from talking about the game or a bad performance.”
