Pressure eases on Domenech before job verdict
PARIS (Reuters) - France coach Raymond Domenech, who looked in great danger of being sacked just a few days ago, is set to retain his job when the French Football Federation decide his future on Wednesday.
Domenech, who was left in charge but told he needed results after his side's shock group-stage exit from Euro 2008, will find out after a FFF meeting whether he is allowed to stay on.
His team's fightback from two goals down for a 2-2 draw in Romania in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday has made his position a lot more comfortable, and not only because the result left France in the race for the 2010 finals.
The abrasive Domenech, who had been criticised by FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes for communicating poorly, kept a low profile this time and found the right words to motivate his troops at halftime.
More importantly, the 2006 World Cup finalists played as a team with some clever moves sparked by exciting new playmaker Yoann Gourcuff and inspirational forward Franck Ribery, back after a long injury break.
The best way for Domenech to prepare for Wednesday's meeting would be a convincing performance from his men in a friendly against Tunisia at Stade de France on Tuesday.
Domenech, who has had a difficult relationship with some of his players and the media for years, has received the backing of leading members of the side, starting with Ribery and forward Thierry Henry, the captain on Saturday.
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