The Generals in Germany
Domenech Raymond, France
Raymond, a former left-back for Lyon, is not really the most loved man in France. The French coach, who took over the reins from Jacques Santini after France's defeat in Euro 2004, is seen by many as lacking authority. For one, it has been reported that he lets astrology influence team selection!
His severest critics also credit him for France's slipping down the FIFA world rankings.
In fact, had it not been for Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele voluntarily coming out of retirement, France might not have qualified for Germany 2006. Some even allege the players from France's 'golden generation' retired in the first place because of Raymond.
Also See: Complete coverage: Football Fiesta
Raymond, a veteran member of the French Football Federation's Direction Technique Nationale, was nominated by Claude Simonet, the president of the FFF, for the job of national team coach. His appointment came as a surprise for many.
Maybe the former French national team footballer can spring a surprise of his own by steering this French side to glory similar to what they achieved in 1998.
Image: Domenech (left) and assistant coach Pierre Mankowski speak their mind at the French footballers during their match against Switzerland. Photograph: Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images
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