yertle-the-turtle said:
Domenech's official reason is that Barthez is more experienced, which I think is bullshit. Sure, Coupet hasn't played as many internationals as Barthez, but he's been in many big-match situations in the Champs League with Lyon and he's also a damn good keeper.
Barthez's friends in the team are Thuram and Zidane, they are the real bosses of the French team, Thuram calls Domenech "the impostor" and never talks to him.
Coupet doesn't moan because he is number 2, Barthez would have left the French team or created a big tension during the World Cup. It was too risky.
I've never seen Franck Ribery in action but apparently he's hot stuff at the moment, what do you think of him guill?
And Boumsong in defence is a bloody liability. Haven't been that impressed with Gael Givet either, but that was several years ago in the Champions League and he may have become a better player since then.
Ribery is a very interesting player, he runs very fast, has a huge activity in the midfield (he will play on the right wing), is generous, a good dribbler, he won't stay in France for a long time.
He is a bit nervous and not experimented but he is perfect for the last 20 mns.
Mexès is better than Boumsong, he is a better technician, with a duet Thuram - Boumsong or Thuram - Gallas, the ball does not arrive very well in the midfield, the French team loses precious seconds when defenders have the ball.
Boumsong can play on the right of the defense, he is more polyvalent than Mexès, that's the reason why he is in the squad.
Givet can play (bad) everywhere in the defense, he is a warrior but his technic is limited. He won't complain not to be in the starting 11, he is a sort of entertainer for the squad.
