Henry: Backed Domenech

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• Thierry Henry
• Jean-Alain Boumsong
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France captain Thierry Henry has given his full backing to beleaguered boss Raymond Domenech.

The coach led Les Blues to the 2006 World Cup final but has come under increasing pressure since his side exited Euro 2008 at the group stage.

Since then, France have made a faltering start to their World Cup campaign, losing to Austria in their Group 7 opener before beating Serbia and then drawing 2-2 in Romania on Saturday, where they had to battle back from two goals down.

They now play Tunisia on Tuesday before the national board meet on Wednesday, where there is speculation Domenech could lose his job.

But Henry has given his full backing to Domenech, telling L'Equipe: "Of course we support him - he's our coach.

Tough moments

"He's been there for a long time. He had tough moments before the World Cup in 2006 and in the qualifiers for Euro 2008. We're all behind him."

After picking up four points in their last two games, Henry feels the team is starting to show its worth.

"We managed to weather the storm in the first 20 minutes. We showed that this team has a spirit, that we can come back when we fall behind. We played ourselves back into the game," he said.

Henry wants an end to the constant speculation concerning Domenech, saying it is unsettling for everyone concerned with the squad.

"It's not easy to deal with. It's normal to discuss the coach after a game like the one in Romania, but before the match... it's tough."

Lyon defender Jean-Alain Boumsong has also given Domenech his strong backing and believes the squad are on the right track.

Wouldn't understand

He said: "I wouldn't understand if Domenech were let go. It's in matches like this one that teams are built.

"Sacking the coach now could destroy that progress."

Right-back Bacary Sagna, who was given his first cap by Domenech, also believes the national side is progressing.

"I sincerely hope he stays. You have to realise that our team is young and in a reconstruction phase. Last (Saturday) night's game could be the start of something."