Do the Right Thing: Why Raymond Domenech Deserves the Boot

You sort of feel bad for Domenech; I mean, look at him. He looks like a kicked puppy, all droopy-eyed and floppy-like. And he looked like that even before he oversaw one of the worst French tournament campaigns of all time.

There is yet to be found a columnist who hasn’t criticized Domenech for his choices during the run-up to the European Championships, never mind the substitutions and tactical faux-pas’.

However, it seems like the only people who think that he deserves to stick around are the people who are influential in him staying in the first place.

French captain Patrick Vieira and playmaker Franck Ribery have pledged their support to the hapless Domenech. But why? Let’s break down some of Domenech’s genius over the past few months.

First, let’s start with his team selections. The fact that Bakary Sagna was not called up to the national team—replaced instead by the very old, very slow, and very finished Willy Sagnol—was a shock to not only Arsenal fans but to everybody else who gave a damn as well.

This is a perfect example of Domenech’s blind reliance on the old guard of French national players. But that’s exactly what the French side ended being; old.

Lilian Thuram has 35 years on him now. And he’s not Italian. Ergo, he’s just not fit to start for the national side. Case in point: his torrid performances for Barcelona this season. He’s looked old and tired for months, not just during Euro 2008.

And when he reportedly asked Domenech not to play him after the first couple of group stage games (in which he played poorly)… is that an action of a professional player representing their country?

Jeremy Toulalon… my lord, what was Domenech thinking? What do you think Flamini was thinking when he found out that he was being dropped in lieu of a grey-haired half-competent Toulalon?

The ultimate display of idiocy was Domenech’s display during the must-win fixture against Italy. He is 1-0 down and he takes off Nasri—with Ribery injured, one of the only attacking players on the field—for a defender (not just any defender, Jean-Alain "how is this guy ever become a professional" Boumsong).

I mean… that’s the kind of decision that gets you fired. No?

The French Football Federation has said that in two days it will make its decision on the fate of Raymond Domenech. And all I can say is that after watching last month’s theatrics, I have never seen a manager more out to lunch.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, I ask you on behalf of any football fan who can’t stand to watch terrible football: just fire the man. For our sake.