Henry calls for coach delay

Henry: Wants delay in announcing successor

France captain Thierry Henry wants the successor to national boss Raymond Domenech to be named after the World Cup, and not before the tournament as planned.

Domenech will step down from his role following this summer's finals in South Africa after six years in the job.

His successor will be named in late April or May under the timescale announced by French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes.

But Henry has joined international colleagues William Gallas and Florent Malouda in expressing reservations about the timing.

The national skipper, speaking ahead of France's friendly with Spain on Wednesday, would instead prefer a delay in the announcement.

"Personally, I'd prefer us to talk about it after, and definitely not now. It's not a debate," he said.

Undermine

Domenech himself believes the timing of the announcement could undermine his preparations for the tournament.

He said: "Everything that comes from outside can disrupt, undermine and create weaknesses that could prove harmful during a long competition.

"For one match, no, but for one month, with substitutes who won't play or who will only play a bit, it could be complicated and it could create tension.

"But I've got nothing to say about it, I'll deal with it when it happens."

Meanwhile Henry, who was heavily criticised by French fans for his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off with the Republic of Ireland, has said he is not worried about the reception he will receive when Les Bleus host Spain.

The Barcelona ace caused a furore with a blatant handball in the build-up to William Gallas' equaliser in the play-off second-leg that gave France a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 aggregate win.

No fear

When asked about his feelings about returning to the Stade de France for France's first match since the Ireland controversy, Henry said: "No fear at all.

"This game is not about reconciliation (with French fans), we just want to know where we stand against one of the best teams in the world.

"Unfortunately, I knew what would happen afterwards but it hasn't changed me. It just allowed me to see the real nature of some."

Henry, who often plays as a left winger for France, also said he sometimes disagreed with Domenech about tactics.

"I've already said that a thousand times before but I'd rather play up front," said Henry, France's all-time top scorer with 51 goals.

"(Franck Ribery) would rather play on the left, I'd rather play up front but the coach makes the decisions even though we don't always agree."

Asked about Ribery and Henry's positions against Spain, Domenech gave a trademark answer: "Everything is possible."