Santini sees positive signs

By Christophe Kukawka

Jacques Santini is in confident mood ahead of UEFA EURO 2004™ and believes France "will go to Portugal to win". The coach drew attention to "some recent convincing games, the quality of our game, the joy of sharing moments together and a restored confidence" - factors which will combine in his team's favour this summer.

Three different stages
"We will warm up for EURO 2004™ on 20 May with an important game against world champions Brazil," Santini said. "From there, we will have a five-day break in La Grande Motte in the south of France before heading to Clairefontaine, our training camp, on 1 June." The coach will invite the players' families to join the squad before the departing for Portugal.

Medical preparations
French preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup were hampered by injuries to Robert Pires and Zinedine Zidane, and Santini is eager to monitor fitness levels closely. "Team doctor Jean-Marcel Ferret will pay special attention to every player before the Brazil match," he said. "Everyone will undertake medical tests. I am working very closely with the technical and medical staff."

Centenary celebrations
France played their first international on 1 May 1904, and the centenary will be commemorated at Clairefontaine on 31 May with a ceremony to which all living French internationals have been invited. "It will make me very proud to meet all those players who have played for France," Santini said. "They are sure to put some more pressure on me with their hopes."

Title triumph
With Arsenal FC having clinched the English title last weekend, a number of Santini's players will be in celebratory mood. "There is no ideal position for the coach, but you are happier when your players achieve their goals like [those at] Arsenal did recently," Santini said. "I prefer this situation to having sad players."

Wiltord return
Santini has no serious injury concerns ahead of EURO 2004™, and will name his final squad of 23 players "before 29 May", adding: "I am happy no one is injured and am especially delighted with [Sylvain] Wiltord's recent comeback."

Contract dilemma
Santini's contract runs until 1 July, and he revealed he is yet to be offered a new deal by the French Football Federation (FFF). "Many comments have been made about my future," he said. "I have heard several clubs, including Chelsea [FC] and Tottenham [Hotspur FC], are interested. How could I deny that I am happy to be linked with such clubs? I have not been offered a new contract by the FFF, though I will fulfil my duty until the end."