The heat is turned up on Domenech!

After the dreaded "vote of confidence" the latest pressure coming on Raymond is from his own captain and team. Read the comments made by Henry after a practice, from a story in the Parisien. For those whose French is not that good, Henry basically stated, that speaking for the team he was frustrated at the manager (who had started by stating he was frustrated with his team for leaving something to be desired in practice). Henry goes on to say no one knows where they are suppose to go, what formation they are running, what to do, and that they are also "annoyed" with the practices. Henry also states that in the 12 years he has played with Les Bleus he has never felt this way...ouch. After the FFF, the last area of support, albeit mild, that Domenech has to count on were his players. Post Euro, players came out to support maintaining Domenech as the manager - including Henry!

The fact that it was Henry that was vocal in his criticism of the coach is telling. Of course Henry has since backed down from his statements, no surprise there! However if what he said was true, and why believe it was not, it is telling that the team is finally feeling what many of us fans have felt since Domenech has taken over the side, as well as many former players such as Pires.

Domenech lacks any vision. Has terrible skills dealing with the personal side (another example of this is what happened on Saturday with Malouda who found out he was not needed on the substitutes' bench because there was no kit set up in his locker, not that the coach had told him prior, according to Yahoo Sport). Does not appear to understand how to manage during the match. Finally Domenech appears lost with this team. At times he resembles a 16 year old with the keys to his parent's Porsche - not sure if he can handle the power and handling, unease with the gear shifts, nervous about being caught by the cops, and overall over matched by what he has to work with.

Does this place added pressure heading into the match in Belgrade, absolutely. Win, lose or draw the French Federation may have to bow to the pressure and sack the manager. Regardless of what happens in Serbia (a loss would surely see Domenech gone), France have two more games to get results to secure the final spot in the group. Realistically they will need 4 points from the Serbia - Austria games to ensure a top 8 second place finish. Assuming that is feasible, they face the tricky 2nd place playoff matches, where they could (if FIFA reseeds the teams) face, potentially an Ireland or Greece, neither team will be easy to defeat in the home-away format. There remains time for France to find a new manager to take them through these final 4 games, and potentially through to South Africa. However that window is closing, the French FA needs to either sh*t or get off the pot after the Serbia match with regards to Domenech. If they sack him quickly, a new manager will have the time to pull something together.

Here is hoping the opt for the former and flushes Raymond down the toilet.

Here is a name that might be a dark horse, a solid care taker if not longer term manager - Guy Roux. He would bring instant credibility with regards to talent evaluation and knowing the team (I am sure he would figure out how to get the most out of his former player Mexes to name one). During his time at Auxerre he was always known for incredible talent evaluation - Cantona, Cisse, Blanc, Mexes, and Boli to name a few of the gems he discovered. Granted he would not be asked to develop new talent, but his understanding of player personnel would be vital for lining up the right team on the pitch. Additionally, he brings a no nonsense way to management, unlike Domenech the players would know exactly what would be expected of them and what formation and style they would be expected to execute. A long shot...but why not...rumor is he almost took over the side after the 1998 World Cup so why not revisit the option?