Ferrier buoyed by French grit

France coach Guy Ferrier believes the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament is wide open and sees no reason why his side cannot bring the trophy back from Austria.

Experienced coach
Ferrier has been coaching at youth level in France for almost 20 years but has yet to get his hands on any major silverware in that time. But he knows he is not the only coach with aspirations at the eight-team tournament. "Like my seven colleagues, we all want to win. I think there is no favourite," he said. "The eight teams can win, including Austria who did not qualify on the pitch but will be tough at home. I'm sure that the Germans, Serbians and Russians will benefit from a good long preparation camp. Preparation and having time with players is always one of the keys. Reaching the last four, as François Blaquart did with the U17 team, would be satisfying and a good thing for French football."

Difficult preparation
The former FC Orléans player-coach insists his side will be in top condition when they commence their campaign against Serbia on 16 July, despite most players being on their summer break recently, and refutes claims his players do not have the individual flair to emulate the French team that won the competition in 2005. "With professional sides resuming training in the last days of June, I had to rely only on personal programmes I gave to players," said Ferrier. "Everyone in the squad can give us input - we don't rely on individuals but on a team who really want to succeed. In a long tournament like this, it could make the difference."

Qualification drama
Following that opening game, France will face Germany and Russia, but nothing will faze Ferrier's side after their injury-hit squad battled through a precarious Elite round. A 3-1 win against Poland was followed by a shock 1-0 reverse against Slovakia which put their qualification in doubt. France eventually progressed with a convincing 3-1 win against their Group 6 hosts, Israel. "That loss to Slovakia was not deserved as we dominated the game," noted Ferrier, "Against Israel the boys delivered one of their best games since I have known the squad. They were calm, serene and moved by a genuine desire to succeed - nothing could deflect them from their aim.

Maturing squad
"Now we have everyone back except maybe Garry Bocaly [who is suffering from a muscular injury]. There are no other worries which is a relief for me, I must say." The manner in which they booked their final place against Israel showed many people that France have as good a chance as anyone of lifting the trophy on 27 July, but that fact has come as no surprise to Ferrier. "Absolutely not. For a year now the squad has been maturing. I knew they were able to play like that and I hope they will show it in Austria."