Domenech Threatens Makelele with 2-Matches Ban

Playing for France should be for pleasure, but a must-do thing. That's how France's coach Raymond Domenech sees it after asking two great French players not to abandon their international careers. It's no secret that Domenech will need all the help he can get to win his Euro 2008 qualifying group. When you meet the World Cup winner, you have to have a great team on the pitch.

And Domenech realized it. Only it may be too late. Makelele and Thuram were asked to play for France in the next qualifiers. The latter accepted a few days ago, while the first is still thinking about it. And what better way to make him come back than threatening the Chelsea player.

Seeing that the French midfielder is not in a hurry to announce Domenech of his decision, the World Cup runner-up coach went nuts yesterday afternoon: "We had a discussion, but I didn't ask for his opinion. For me, it would be unthinkable to see a great player playing for a great club not playing for his national team. A player who refuses to accept a selection is liable to a two-match suspension", said Domenech.

And, since Makelele did not announce his retirement from international football, Domenech might be right, as far as UEFA and FIFA regulations are concerned. Still, you cannot oblige a footballer to play for you and France unless he really wants to. But that's something Domenech doesn't seem to understand for the moment.

Zidane's leaving football for good left Domenech with no team leader whatsoever. Of course, there are plenty of experienced players who could take his place (Henry, Vieira, Thuram), but no true leader. That's why, the more experienced players Domenech could get his hands on, the more chances he has to challenge group's leadership.