Les Bleus - La volonté de gagner

[pistolped7]

June 13th, 2008 - Berne, Switzerland - 20:45

The Netherlands vs. France​

The crowd was buzzing. As night fell over the Swiss capital, the anticipation rose with the Stade de Suisse almost full to the brim. 30,000 Dutch and French fans were counting on a win here. But for different reasons.

For the Dutch, it was a chance to seal their place in the quarter-finals. They had beaten the world champions, Italy, 3-0 in their previous match. Now, they had a chance to do the same to the second placed team from two years ago. For us, it was a chance to get our tournament back on track. In our first match, we had been frustrated by the plucky Romanian underdogs, and held to a 0-0 draw.

The time for talk was over. Herbert Fandel led the two teams out in front of the crowd, to raucous applause. And when Le Marseillais was played out over the speakers, I felt an immense sense of pride. I knew how the players felt. The pride of a nation was on their backs. Almost ten years ago, I was in a similar situation. But I was in Paris, and in front of a crowd over double the size of the one today. But the circumstances were the same. Me and my team had our tournament on the line. And our opponents were on stunning form.

We won, but I wasn't caring about that, I cared about the game today, which had already begun without me noticing. We were confident about winning, but soon, we were brought down to earth with a bang.

Final scoreline - The Netherlands 4-1 France

June 18th, 2008 - Zurich, Switzerland - 09:00​

It was over. We were out. We had exited EURO 2008 with a solitary point. But, somehow, Domenech had kept his job. The Franch Football Federation had came out after we lost 2-0 to Italy the night before and guaranteed Domenech his job at least until 2010 World Cup qualifying began. Even so, my former national team-mates had came out and slated Domenech. Zidane, Deschamps, Blanc, Barthez, even Aimé Jacquet, our former coach, had said Domenech wasn't up to the job. I was tempted to do the same. After the World Cup loss, cracks had begun to appear. Although we had a good qualifying campaign, we lost twice. That may not have seemed so bad in a group containing Italy and the Ukraine, but both our losses were to Scotland. Home and away, we lost 1-0 to an inferior footballing nation. But we must soldier on. Next stop, South Africa!


I have only started this because my Celtic save had corrupted and I've not been on my home computer for the past week or so, so I hadn't ben able to access it anyway.

---------- Post added at 02:42 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:25 PM ----------

September 8th, 2008 - Paris, France - 12:00​

After a late night last night, I woke up at noon. I logged on to the internet after I was up, and the story I was to see shocked me.

Raymond Domenech a tiré de la France Emploi

Raymond Domenech a eu son contrat résilié avec la France, deux jours après la défaite embarrassante 3-1 à l'Autriche dans les éliminatoires de la Coupe du monde.

To make sure this was true and not just a rumour, I went on to the Sky Sports website. I find them to be reliable for news.

Domenech sacked as France manager
France hire Jean Tigana as temporary manager

The French Football Federation have today confirmed that manager Raymond Domenech has had his contract terminated with immediate effect. The decision comes two days after France's embarrassing 3-1 defeat to minnows Austria. The FFF have hired former Fulham and Bordeaux coach Jean Tigana as temporary manager until June or July next summer, giving them a chance to assess the managers availabkle to them. The FFF have not confirmed who they have in the frame, but did confirm it would be a Frenchman. They also invited anyone with a wide knowledge of football to contact them by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone before April 30th, 2009.

I stared at the screen. 'Someone with a wide knowledge of football.' That could be me. I have played for top teams in England and Spain. 'A Frenchman.' I clicked on the link to the FFF's e-mail address. I sent them a message confirming my interest in the job. This could be it. My chance to get back into football. But an error message appeared.
You must enter your details in the fields marked with *
I looked at what I hadn't entered. I had entered my past experiences, date of birth. The blank field appeared.

NAME:

 

[toddzy]

Emmanuel Petit good luck with this mate it should be a good story like I'll defo be following!

 

[pistolped7]

Emmanuel Petit good luck with this mate it should be a good story like I'll defo be following!

Maybe Thanks, I'll try to update again today.

 

[Formia]

Great start, and I like the way you have given it some background.

 

[pistolped7]

Thanks, never be as good as yours though

---------- Post added at 05:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------

June 30th, 2009​

So that's it. Here I stand, leader of Les Bleus. The leader of France. I am now equally as important as Nicolas Sarkozy. Once a World Cup winning player, now a manager. I still can't believe it. I was picked over Tigana, Houllier, Wenger and Blanc. But why? I am not as experienced as they are. I've never managed before. Was it because I scored in the final? And Blanc didn't? Was it because I was an English champion? And Tigana wasn't? Is it because I played for Barca? And Wenger didn't? I don't know. But I don't have time to dispute things. I must prepare.

I want a young team. I don't want to be like Italy, with dinosaurs on zimmer frames hobbling around a park. I want players like Clichy, Gourcuff, Menez, Ben Arfa, Benzema and Cissokho to be the big players. I want to get rid of old players. Vieira, Cisse and Abidal are out.

I'm the boss. So I'm going to do things my way.


"I am very proud to stand before you as the manager of France. I want to take France back to the top, but I'm going to do it using the young talent France has produced over thepast two or three years. Players like Cissokho, Bodmer and Hoarau can expect call-ups very soon."
My very first press conference. It was very boring, but I got my point across that I will be using youngsters. I'm beginning to wonder who to get rid of. Abidal and Vieira are definitely out, but I'm not sure about Henry. He may be older, but he's still decent. The same goes for Anelka. Anelka will definitely stay. But Henry? I'm not sure.

August 6th, 2009 - Paris, France - 12:30​

So this is it. My first squad. I have picked the players who will pull on the world's most famous blue shirt (sorry, Italy) and represent their country on the world stage. Okay, so we're playing against the Faroe Islands. But we still need to play the same way.

My first squad - Faroe Islands vs France

The only definites on my team-sheet are Lloris, Mexes (who I have appointed my captain), Ribery and Gourcuff. But here is the team that will play against the Faroes.

Lloris
Sagna---Gallas--Mexes---Cissokho
M.Sissoko--L.Diarra
-
Gourcuff---Menez---Ribery
Anelka​

 

[pistolped7]

September 10th, 2009 - Belgrade, Serbia​

I'd now had three games as the manager of my country, and I had done quite well, with my beloved France chasing first place in Group 7. It had started well, with a thumping victory over the Faroe Islands.

Faroe Islands 0 - 3 France​

Match report by Bryan Swanson​

In a dominant display, France stormed to a 3-0 victory over the Faroe Islands, with a double from debut-boy Jeremy Menez helped France stay on the tails of group leaders Serbia. Menez got his first in the 16th minute with a close range header. He got his second in the 66th minute, with a curled shot from the edge of the area. Karim Benzema sealed it for France with a powerful shot in the 74th minute.

France 2 - 0 Romania​

Match report by Bryan Swanson​

France left it late to finish of Romania, with a double from Karim Benzema in the dying minutes meaning France enter Wednesday's encounter with Serbia in good shape. France gave a debut to Lyon's Mathieu Bodmer and it paid dividends, with the centre-back commanding the backline and effectively silencing Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica, until he picked up a knock, and with his coach, Emmanuel Petit, not willing to risk him ahead of the Serbia game. Benzema broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, before adding another in the 91st. France will take on group leaders Serbia in a match which will effectively decide who tops Group 7 and books their ticket to South Africa next June.

Serbia vs. France​

Match repot by Jim White​

In a match both sides had to win, it was to be a good one, with both sides having chances. It was Serbia, however, who sruck first, with Sasa Ilic cooly converting a penalty in the 9th minute. France frantically searched for an equaliser, and finally got one in the 81st minute, with substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac converting in the 81st minute. But there was another twist in the tale when, in the 90th minute, Nikola Zigic pounced on Bacary Sagna's error to blast his strike into the corner of the net. And that was it. Serbia have sealed their place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the expense of France, who will now play in the play-offs.

Serbia 2 - 1 France​

And with wins over the Faroe Islands (3-1) and Austria (3-0), we will play the Czech Republic in the play-offs. I have also decided I will resign as manager of France, no matter what, after Euro 2012, and try to get a job at a club, as I don't want to take one up while I'm still managing France.

---------- Post added at 12:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------

Adidas unveil new France kits​

The French national team have unveiled their new kits for 2010, which will be worn in the play-offs against the Czech Republic. The kits are manufactured by German giants Adidas, and keep the same colour scheme as the EURO 2008 kits. They each feature watermark pin-hoops, and a embroidered star above the French badge, in honour of France's 1998 WC win. The home kit, in 'Parisian Blue' (according to Adidas), with 'Marseille White' and 'Trimphant Red' trim. The away is 'Triumphant Red', with 'Marseille White' and 'Parisian Blue' trim. The FFF have also, under orders from Emmanuel Petit, scrapped the arranged deal with American brand Nike, who were due to take over from Adidas in 2011.

---------- Post added at 09:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------

November 14th, 2009 - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris - 20:00​

France vs. Czech Republic​

Our loss to Serbia in the group meant we were condemned to a play-off spot, where we were drawn against the aging Czech Republic. We had a home leg first, and we definitely didn't want to concede, due to the obvious away goals rule. With on-form stirker Andre-Pierre Gignac (5 goals in last 3 games), and inexperienced strikers Yoan Gouffran, Guillame Hoarau and Loic Remy not ready to make the big step-up, I was forced to recall Thierry Henry, who had previously been left out since August. I also had Franck Ribery and Yohan Gourcuff injured, and Hatem Ben Arfa was in a bad bit of form, I played Malouda, Menez and Anelka just behind Henry. The usual holding midfield partnership of Blaise Matuidi and Moussa Sissoko were just in front of a backline consisting of Patrice Evra, Jean-Alain Boumsong, Sebastien Squillaci and Lassana Diarra, due to injuries to Cissokho and Bodmer, while Mexes and Sagna served suspensions. However, Sagna has served his ban, but due to the very high standard of Diarra's performances at RB, I decided to keep him there. And, of course, Hugo Lloris was in goal.

The men to watch for the visitors will be former Liverpool striker Milan Baros, now at Galatasaray. He may be getting on a bit, but his eye for goal could cause Boumsong and Squillaci problems. I'll also be watching Libor Sionko, who is a very quick and very accurate winger, who plays for FC Copenhagen of Denmark. So, this is where it becomes important. Win and we are in the World Cup Finals. Lose, and I lose a chance to coach at the WC and probably my job. The stakes, literally, couldn't be higher.

​

FIFA World Cup Play-offs - UEFA - France vs. Czech Rep.​

These two teams both wnat to go to South Africa, but only one will do it. Will it be the mighty French or the aging Czechs? Well, in a cagey affair with poor performances from Malouda, Anelka, Jarosik and Baros, France came out on top after David Rozehnal's defensive header bounced back off of Thierry Henry's head and went into the net to give Frabce the aggregate lead and put the prssure on the Czechs.

France 1-0 Czech Republic​

Update later on thrilling second leg!!!

---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 PM ----------

November 18th, 2009 - Prague, Czech Republic - 20:00​

Czech Republic vs. France​

With a one goal lead going into the match, I was confident. Even if we just got one goal, I'm sure they would struggle to get three past us. But then, we had to actually score that one goal. And who would do that? Benzema, Anelka and Malouda were off form, Henry scored once, and only by chance at that, Yoan Gouffran and Guillame Hoarau have yet to score in 7 games altogether and Loic Remy was injured. Our only actual consistent goalscorer has been Andre-Pierre Gignac, who scored 5 goals in 3 games, one of them as a late sub, has been ruled out until January with a knee problem. So I was forced to play Henry, with Malouda, Benzema and Anelka just behind him, as Jeremy Menez had accumulated two yellow cards overall, so faced a ban. My back-line went unchanged. My team was not looking great, to say the least.

Czech Rep. vs. France - FIFA World Cup Play-Off second leg​

With France entering this game with a one goal aggregate lead, it was going to be a big challenge for the Czech Republic to overcome the French. But they did by a goal to nil. Milan Baros delivered the hammer-blow to Les Bleus in the 37th minute. France replaced Thierry Henry with Guillame Hoarau and Anelka with Yoan Gouffran, but this didn't change France's fortunes. So into extra-time it went, with a once exciting match turning into a bit of a bore, the players kept going as it went on to penalty kicks.

So, France were up first. Guillame Hoarau ran up....and converted cooly from the spot. Next was the Czech Rep. with Milan Baros. He stuttered his run.....and sent Lloris the wrong way.
France again, with Ribery (who replaced Menez after his niggle which ruled him out of the first game got better). He ran up....and dispatched his kick into the top corner.
The Czechs then sent David Jarolim to the spot. He put it into the left corner, jst slipping through the French's keeper gloves.
France went again with Karim Benzema stepped up next. He had his shot saved...as Petr Cech parried it into the top corner. A lucky escape for France.
Rozehnal, the villain of the first leg (perhaps undeservedly), was up next. H ehad his hot stopped by Hugo Lloris...who managed to hold onto it. Advantage France.
Lassana Diarra stepped up for Les Bleus next...and made it look easy as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Libor Sionko stepped up next for Národní tým. He put his shot comfortably into the net.
So, this was it. If Yoan Gouffran scored here, France were going to South Africa on June 11th. He walked the 50 yards from the halfway line. With boos from the Czech fans ringing in his ears, the Bordeaux hitman had a chance to become a definite French squad member at the World Cup. If he misses, it could be that no-one will be a definite WC French squad member. There wouldn't be a French squad. A nation's hopes rest on his shoulders. No pressure, then.
He put the ball on the spot. He took 3 steps back and a deep breath. He ran towards the ball and took one of the most audacious penalty kicks in World Cup history. Instead of blasting the ball, or even placing it, he chipped in down the middle as Cech dived left. It hit the net. He fell to his knees as histeam-mates ran towards him. France had qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Czechs will be staying at home next June. They are out.

Czech Rep. (3) 1-0 (5) France
a.e.t​

---------- Post added at 11:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 PM ----------

...





...Just want to check and see if anyone is following this, could you leave a comment if you are and tell me how you think I could improve the story.

---------- Post added at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 11:20 PM ----------

FIFA World Cup - Group C

France
England
Saudi Arabia
Ecuador​

 

[pistolped7]

Emmanuel Petit vinculados con el empleo en España, podía trabajar en el club y Francia
(Emmanuel Petit linked with jobs in Spain, could work at both club and France)

El entrenador francés Emmanuel Petit ha sido relacionado con puestos de trabajo a las 9 diferentes clubes, en la Liga BBVA y Liga Adelante. Petit ha dicho que no va a empezar a trabajar en un club hasta después de la Eurocopa 2012, año en que renunciará como entrenador de Francia, pero podría dar marcha atrás en que la combinación de ambos puestos de trabajo hasta 2012, cuando iba a tomar el control únicamente en el club.
(French coach Emmanuel Petit has been linked with jobs at 9 diffrent clubs, in Liga BBVA and Liga Adelante. Petit has said he won't take a job at a club until after EURO 2012 when he will resign as France coach, but he could backtrack on that to combine both jobs until 2012, when he would take control solely at the club.)​

 

[peskybendben]

I'm following... don't worry I just prefer to read, rather than comment. However, it seems to be coming along very well, and the layout is really good. There isn't really anything you can do to make it better if i'm honest. I like the whole website idea.

 

[pistolped7]

Thanks very much!

---------- Post added at 04:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:40 PM ----------

What does everyone think, should I take a job with a Spanish team now or wait until I resign from the France job?

 

[peskybendben]

I did a save once, where I was manager of Fulham, and South Korea. However I found it difficult to keep up with the news in both jobs. A bit confusing perhaps... That is my opinion though, some people may find it easy to cope with. See what other people think before making a decision.

 

[pistolped7]

'Kay, thanks mate!

---------- Post added at 06:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 PM ----------

Petit rejects club management
French coach tells clubs to come back in two years​

French national team manager Emmanuel Petit has told the Spanish clubs reportedly interested in making him their manager to come back in two years when he resigns as manager of his nation. Nine Liga BBVA and Liga Adelante clubs have been linked with Petit as their teams under perform. Levante actually confirmed that they had offered Petit a contract back in November 2008 out-of-the-blue, but Petit rejected the offer. petit confirmed he has also rejected offerd offers from Real Sociedad, Malaga, Hercules, Recreativo and Espanyol. Petit has said he would be interested in managing any of these teams. Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez is under intense pressure, with Sevilla floundering in 12th position, Atletico Madrid are doing poorly under Abel Resino and Deportivo la Coruna have sacked their boss Miguel Angel Lotina, which has led Petit to speak out and confirm interest in these jobs, and while Sevilla's chairman Jose Maria del Nido and Depor's Cesar Londoiro told Petit they would be 'foolish' not to consider him for their respective jobs whenever he is available, Atletico's Enrique Cerezo burst out into laughter hen he was told by a journalist and said that he would 'never' hire someone like Petit. The French Football Federation have yet to comment on Petit's plan to quit after the next European Championships.

 

[pistolped7]

June 17th, 2010 - Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa​

Well, another two groups are finished, and today it's Group's C and D. Just to remind you in case you've forgotten, the teams in the groups are:

Group C​

Group D​

France​

Argentina​

England​

Russia​

Ecuador​

United States​

Saudi Arabia​

South Korea​

So first up, let's review France's progress in the group.

France 1-0 England​

A pretty dull game up until the 61st minute, when Franck Ribery's storming run down the left flank made England look silly, before a cross to Andre-Pierre Gignac at the front post gave him a perfect opportunity to score from 6 yards out. And Andre-Pierre Gignac doesn't miss from 6 yards out. There was more drama, however, as Steven Gerrard was sent off in the 84th minute for a second bookable offence.

Also, Ecuador beat Saudi Arabia 3-1.

France 2-0 Saudi Arabia​

France sealed their place in the last 16 after a dominant 2-0 win over the whipping boys of Group C, Saudi Arabie. Franck Ribery scored in the 5th minute with a wonderful solo effort, before doubling his tally 30th minute from the penalty spot, a controversial decision from the referee not going down well in the Middle East. So France's match against Ecuador would simply be for Ecuador's sake, with France already through.

Also, Ecaudor hed England to a 1-1 draw, meaning the Three Lions needed to beat Saudi Arabia to have any hope of qualifying.

France 4-1 Ecuador​

A fantastic second-half performance from Les Bleus mean they go through top of the table in Group C to face the Group D runner-up, whoever it may be. France made nine changes (only Moussa Sissoko and Blaise Matuidi keeping their places), and it started badly as Ecuador got the first with Cristian Benitez pouncing on a mistake by Aly Cissokho (who was subbed at half-time after a dire performance) before slotting it past Steve Mandanda in the French goal. At half-time, a goal down, French boss Emmanuel Petit made three changes, with Aly Cissokho, Jeremy Menez and Karim Benzema coming off for Gael Clichy, Hatem Ben Arfa and Andre-Pierre Gignac. That was the catalyst for an incredible French fightback to give them a stunning win. It started when Franck Ribery's stunning run down the left wing culminated in Jean-Alain Boumsong's headed equaliser, scored at the back post. The second was scored by Ribery (who esle?!) himslef, with a curled shot from the edge of the area. Andre-Pierre Gignac scored from a free-kick before Hatem Ben Arfa completed the rout with a stunning solo effort.

Also, England beat Saudi Arabia 1-0, but they were still going out until Hatem Ben Arfa's goal meant England had superior goal difference to Ecuador, so they can thank France for dragging them through to the last 16, where they will face the winners of Group D. Northern Ireland also claimed a last 16 berth with two solid wins in the first two games.

Meanwhile, Russia topped Group D after an emphatic 4-2 thumping of Argentina, who finished second.

So..
France vs. Argentina
England vs. Russia

Goodbye to... Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, the USA and South Korea.

Argentina's last three matches will give French fans some comfort.

ARG 2-0 SKO
USA 0-0 ARG
ARG 2-4 RUS

The match between France and Argentina will be on Sunday the 20th.

 

[pistolped7]

Shock defeat for France!!

France and Emmanuel Petit's fairytale has come to an abrupt end after a shock 3-2 loss to 2-time World Cup winners Argentina. The South Americans opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Gonzalo Higuain nodded home a fantastic Jonas Gutierrez cross. They doubled their advantage with a wonderful solo effort from Lionel Messi in the 30th minute. France began a comeback after Andre-Pierre Gignac slid the ball past the keeper after breaking through the defence. He got a second with a simply astonishing strike from 35 yards out, 62 minutes in. A seemingly unfair penalty was awarded to Argentina in the 82nd minute, however, and Carlos Tevez slotted it past Hugo Lloris in the French goal to seal the Argentine win. Emmanuel Petit hit out at the referee, but FIFA didn't respond to the criticism. Emmanuel Petit was almost immediately sacked from his position as French manager after his nation's failure to reach the semi-finals, but French fans have disputed the decision.


Gutted. :S
BTW the update is pretty poor because the internet is screwin up and the template page won't load.​