Domenech recalls retired Makelele

August 24th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

We always love the mercurial ways of France coach Raymond Domenech. The professorial manager announced that he is recalling defender Claude Makelele for Les Bleus’ Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy. This is despite the fact that Makelele has made public pronouncements that he has retired from international football.

“We had a discussion but I didn’t ask for his opinion. For me it would be unthinkable to see a great player playing for a great club not playing for his national team,” Domenech told a news conference on Thursday.

“A player who refuses to accept a selection is liable to a two-match suspension,” he added in reference to FIFA’s rule that can lead to club bans for reluctant internationals.

Far be it from us to tell the man who led his team to the World Cup finals how to run the show, but you would think that he would be interested in recalling players that actually want to compete in the competition. Makelele has been nothing short of a warrior for France and it would be a crime if he is punished for retired from international football after being such an instrumental figure in the World Cup.

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luke

Why didn’t the FFF fire Domenech’s ass after the world cup? “The professorial manager” are you kidding me…how do you spell over rated = Domenech. Out Out Out and Out ….im trying to make my feeling crystal clear so if you could bare with me for a little more…..fire him fire him fire him fire him.

Go after Marcello Lippi dio cane.
Luis

Domeneche has problems…
job

Get rid of this guy. It was Zidane and Thuram that made the difference on this team not domenech. Any coach who keeps Trezeguet on the bench has mental problems. This guy has got to go. Instead of attempting to rebuild France with young talent as a coach should he is harrasing retired players. I’ll say it again: This guy has got to go.
LAZARO

Don’t forget Vieira – he was the team’s spine, absolutely critical, and in equal leadership to Zidane, if not more so. Over on Gigi Buffon’s WC blog he names Vieira as his favorite player at the tournament. And yes, Domenech should go. This tournament was all about the coaches – except for France. France progressed DESPITE the coach – he was more like a remote film producer whereas Zidane, Vieira and Thuram were the directors.
rick

its just that
Adam Rupolo

Wow. If he were to force a player back after international retirement that would be pathetic… he should be ashamed of himself for even suggesting towards it.

Why would this be a rule?!