Henry Wants France Coach Announcement Postponed

Thierry Henry prefers that the appointment of successor to France national team coach be postponed until after the 2010 World Cup. The announcement is currently planned for before the tournament.

“Personally, I’d prefer us to talk about it after, and definitely not now. It’s not a debate,” Henry said.

William Gallas and Florent Malouda expressed the same opinion as Henry. The three of them do not want the name of France’s next coach to be announced before the World Cup finals.

The French Football Federation plans to name Raymond Domenech’s replacement late April or May. Domenech feels that the timing of the announcement can disrupt the team’s preparation for South Africa.

“Everything that comes from outside can disrupt, undermine and create weaknesses that could prove harmful during a long competition,” said Domenech.

“For one match, no, but for one month, with substitutes who won’t play or who will only play a bit, it could be complicated and it could create tension. But I’ve got nothing to say about it, I’ll deal with it when it happens.”