Laurent Blanc to leave out France World Cup flops for Norway friendly
Following France’s shameful showing at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, new France boss Laurent Blanc has asked the French Football Federation for permission to leave all 23-squad members out of his first match in charge against Norway next month.
The rumours that Blanc would take such drastic action have been in circulation ever since Les Blues crashed out of the World Cup group stages in humiliating fashion. But this morning, it was confirmed that the former France defender plans to ignore the 23 players that embarrassed the famous blue shirt in South Africa.
In any other circumstances, the news would have been met by dismay from the national team’s supporters. However, in this instance, there has been no backlash because of the players’ unprofessional behaviour over the summer.
This means the likes of Franck Ribery, Patrice Evra and Nicolas Anelka will not feature in the friendly on August 11th, paving the way for a host of fringe players including Samir Nasri, Loic Remy and Louis Saha to all stake their claim ahead of the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.
Like the rest of France, Blanc was left incensed with the 23 players representing France at the World Cup for their substandard performances and conduct off the pitch. The players’ refusal to train after Anelka was sent home by controversial manager Raymond Domenech will go down as the most shameful moment in France’s World Cup history, and Blanc is determined to make sure that those responsible pay the price.
The news will satisfy the French supporters, who are now hoping for a bright new era under their talented manager. The departed Domenech will be remembered for the bad times rather than the good, and France are now desperate to start with a clean slate under Blanc.
Of course, applying a permanent ban to every one of the 23 would be detrimental to France’s ambitions. There were many players of undoubted quality in the World Cup squad - although based on their performances you’d never have guessed it. They are now left with the challenge of proving themselves worthy of playing for the national team once again.
Fortunately for Blanc, he has a host of other players to call upon for his first match in charge next month in Oslo. It will give him a chance to not only stamp his authority down on French football, but also find out which of his back-up players are capable of rising to the fore.
Blanc, who played for France between 1989 and 2000 - winning the World Cup and European Championships during that period – managed Bordeaux for three years from 2007. After impressing during his first job in club management, he was then given the call to succeed Domenech at the helm of the national team.
And his first major decision as France boss has been a big statement of intent. Blanc is determined to eradicate the notorious memories of 2010 with his own brand of football and a new squad of players.
That would appear to be the only way for the France national team to repair its tarnished reputation.
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