Gonfalone assesses France standing
Friday, April 29, 2011
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Coach Patrick Gonfalone believes the Under-17 finals give France a chance to "know where we stand on the international scene" as his talented team aim to emulate the class of 2004.
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The last time France won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, the likes of Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Karim Benzema were in the squad that triumphed on home soil.
Seven years, one final and two last-four defeats later, France are aiming to prevail again in Serbia from Tuesday. Holders England – their nemeses in the 2007 and 2010 semis – the hosts and Denmark await in Group B, though winning the trophy is not everything for coach Patrick Gonfalone.
Back in 2007, Gonfalone was already showing his ability to coach at a lower level, happy to mould players into men, as he led Basse-Normandie to the amateur UEFA Regions' Cup finals in Bulgaria. He remembers "a very attractive competition that highlights grassroots football and gives exposure to anonymous regional leagues. This is a rich human adventure. Human relationships are really important because we represent a jersey, a colour, a nation".
The same can be said about his U17 players, most of whom play in the reserve teams of clubs like Paris Saint-Germain FC, AJ Auxerre or even Athletic Club in Spain. The talent of his side was proved in their last elite round game as, trailing Norway on goal difference, France defeated Belarus 9-0 to earn a finals place.
During that mini-tournament, Tunis-born 55-year-old Gonfalone also aimed at reviving the French style of playing. "This competition is our opportunity to demonstrate the level of football in France, to showcase our football to other nations and to know where we stand on the international scene," he said.
However the coach, who preferred to celebrate qualification with his family away from his ecstatic players, warned his side: "We'll need to be better [in Serbia] because teams will be even better. We will need to be more disciplined and efficient.
"Each nation has different qualities and I think this group will be decided on details. I'm looking forward to this adventure, it'll be very exciting. We need to show our own qualities. First and foremost, we'll need to be calm and confident."