It would be a mistake to sack Domenech as France manager insists
20 Nov 2009 - 15:22:11
France midfielder Lassana Diarra believes it would be a mistake to get rid of under-fire coach Raymond Domenech, despite the national team's disappointingshowing at Euro 2008.The French Football Federation are set to announce on Thursday whether they will keep faith with Domenech, who is under pressure after Les Bleus finished bottom of their group at the Euros and scored just one goal in three matches.Didier Deschamps has been hailed by many as the natural successor as coach but Diarra, who was handed his international debut by Domenech last year, believes continuity is required with the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign about to start.
Disappointing: Portsmouth midfielderLassana Diarra, left, leaves the airport at Switzerland with the France national tram after their exit from Euro 2008.
'He knows the youngsters perfectly, he understands them," said the Portsmouth midfielder.
'Together we are going to try to qualify for the World Cup and fight to win it. We haven't become bad players overnight. Everyone makes mistakes. 'I don't think it would be good to change things. We must have continuity.' Despite not seeing a single minute's action in Euro 2008 the 23-year-old bears no grudge against the coach. 'That isn't important," he added. "If we had been champions, I would still have considered myself a champion.
'Not playing isn't serious. I am young and I have learned from this experience.'
Explore more:People:Lassana Diarra, Raymond DomenechPlaces:France, SwitzerlandOrganisations:French Football Federation
