Feeling the Bleus

France, former world champions and once world powers are oddly part of the second tier of teams looking to raise the Cup this summer.  Everyone knows how France famously limped into the final 32 teams with solid goalkeeping from their famed forward.  What most in France cannot conceive is how Raymond Domenech has been allowed to keep his job as manager of Les Bleus.

Domenech has arguably the most athletic domestic league in all of Europe to help in fielding a side.  He has youth, he has veterans, he has class in an abundance of players.  Thanks to France's once lofty goals of world domination he virtually has all of north and central Africa to choose from as well (the riches of Colonialism).  So, why, then are Les Bleus feeling the blues...
Short answer. No identity.  After the fallout of Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 finale, France never transitioned well from that older generation to this new crop of talent where Ribery is the leader.  In fact, Henry, in his twilight, is the only major holdover from the last golden generation of French football.  For whatever reason, the new crop hasn't stepped up.  We have seen this too many times in all sports.  The lack of identity and leadership has killed teams of all levels.  Too much power in the lockeroom, on the pitch, in the media with one guy versus another... End result?  Team chemistry is ruined.
You can't oust the players who have the obvious ability to take France as far as they want to go.  The buck stops with Domenech.  He is responsible for the lack of identity and confidence in his younger talent, because he is the ultimate power in the dressing room, on the sideline and has final say with the media.
His communicative skills are lacking.  I can't understand a word he's saying! 

Believe me, this stuff matters.  For Les Bleus to have any chance of making a run this summer they need to make some sweeping changes, and fast.  First and foremost for Domenech, OFF WITH HIS HEAD!