France face an uphill task if they are going to get out of their group in the World Cup after Nicholas Anelka was sent home, the captain argued with the fitness coach and the squad refused to train.
Anelka was sent home by the French Football Federation for apparently verbally abusing the manager, Raymond Domenech, during France’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Anelka did not reappear at half time during that game emphasising the tension between the squad and the manager clearly.
The squad then refused to train in the following days after the event because it emerged that the FFF decision was based on nothing more than reports of Anelka’s outburst in the media.
To cap it all off there was then a full confrontation between the French captain, Patrice Evra, and the fitness coach of the side, all to do with the squad’s decision not to train. The coach threw away his pass, which allowed him to be on the French training ground and the whole incident was caught on camera.
Impossibilities
It is not really confusing in the slightest as to why France have been so poor at this World Cup. When they have a manager who not many of the players seem to like then the players are not going to go out of their way for this coach and play out of their skins for him.
It does not help when this manager refuses to pick some of the most talented players that France have to offer. Thierry Henry did not come off of the bench at all during the defeat to Mexico and the likes of Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri could not even get into the squad.
Furthermore you need complete tranquillity in other areas of the set-up and this means peace and understanding on the training field. If the players do not like the manager and they do not like the coaches they are being told to work under then there is little incentive for them to try and put effort in.
Anelka
The Anelka incident is a little confusing for everyone to get their head around and understand. It is clear that the matter was not handled in a very good fashion and the fact the French squad decided not to train also demonstrates that their seems to be more power among the player than the set-up of the side.
There also seem to be problems with the set-up of the FFF. If reports that they did not fully consult all parties over the Anelka comments are correct then it is no wonder that half of the French players have no faith in their federation’s set-up.
Many will say that France are getting exactly what they deserve after the Henry hand ball that led to them qualifying to the tournament. It will also make other sides who have performed badly at the World Cup slightly happier with their own situations.
Betting Advice
You’re best off avoiding all bets on France as a team and start looking at the individuals in the side. You cannot bet with confidence on France if they don’t even have confidence within themselves.
The likes of Henry will now get a full game for France because of Anelka being sent home. This means he is more likely to score a goal and have a major impact on the game. If you can get good odds on this then it’s worth a bet.
However, no one is going to blame anyone who wants to be conservative when it comes to France and bet in play. It’s impossible to predict who is going to start or come off the bench with this France side.
Tags: