Domenech looking to rally forces against Argentina

AFP - 6 February 2007 21:04

France coach Raymond Domenech, seen here with reporters, insisted that he welcomed their current defensive woes as a way of rebuilding the squad ahead of forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

PARIS (AFP) - France coach Raymond Domenech insisted that he welcomed their current defensive woes as a way of rebuilding the squad ahead of forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

France´s central defence has been decimated for Wednesday´s international friendly against Argentina in Paris with Jean-Alain Boumsong, William Gallas, Philippe Mexes out injured and Lilian Thuram and Sebastien Squillaci uncertain.

As a result Domenech has called up Marseille´s Julien Rodriguez and Arsenal´s Mathieu Flamini as a security measure.

And he said that the reconstructed defence would allow him to test partnerships and form ahead of next month´s European qualifier against Lithuania.

"Wednesday´s defensive lineup could be the solution if we have injuries again like this in March," said Domenech.

"They (substitutes) have the chance to prove what they´re worth. Before the Lithuania game it´s good to play this match with all these absentees, it´s good to test other formulas, to prepare for all eventualities."

"The aim of this match against Argentina is to bring together a group which is likely to be present in March.

"Wednesday´s attacking lineup won´t have any particular bearing on what follows. I´m not idealising this type of match (against Argentina), but we´re looking to rally our forces before qualifications start again."

The World Cup finalists are second in Group B for the European championships in two years time, with nine points from four games, after suffering just one loss to leaders Scotland.

After the Lithuania game in March, there will also be a key tie against world champions Italy in September, and a visit to the Ukraine in November.