New football coach marks new start

New French football coach Laurent Blanc laid out his plans for the team in Paris on Tuesday. He says he wants to mark a break with his predecessor Raymond Domenech after the Bleus’ embarrassing performance at the World Cup.

Reuters

The former Bordeaux coach (2007-2010) was named French manager four days ago. The worst moment of the team’s stay in South Africa came on 20 June, when the French team refused to train on 20 June

"I can’t pretend nothing happened,” he said. “I was disappointed by our results, but, more than that, I was put out by the behaviour of certain people. These elements will be a big part of my analyses and reflections.”

He said some of the players who were in South Africa might not feature in the team list for the next friendly match against Norway on 11 August. He said he had no idea who would be captain.  

"The players have their share in the responsibility, but it’s not up to me to say whether there will be sanctions,” he said. “I haven’t become selector to be Black Pete of the French team. My job is to make the best team with the best players possible and to try to create the best spirit among them.”

The new coach has yet to confirm his full team. But the returns of Henri Emile as sporting coordinator and Philippe Tournon as head of press, Blanc has shown an affiliation with the winning French team of 1998. 

Alain Boghossian remains deputy manager. Marino Faccioli, former head of Lyon, will be administrative director.