Henry calls for coach appointment delay

Thierry Henry on Tuesday said he would prefer the successor to national boss Raymond Domenech to be named after the World Cup, and not before the tournament as planned.

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

Henry joins international colleagues William Gallas and Florent Malouda in expressing reservations about the decision to reveal the identity of France’s next coach before the World Cup.

Under the timescale announced by French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, Domenech’s successor will be named in late April or May.

Speaking at the weekend, Domenech himself said the timing of the announcement could undermine his preparations for the tournament.

“Everything that comes from outside can disrupt, undermine and create weaknesses that could prove harmful during a long competition,” said Domenech, whose side face Spain in a friendly here on Wednesday.

“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.”

The World Cup begins on June 11, with the final to take place on July 11.