Platini fears for Domenech reign

UEFA president Michel Platini believes France coach Raymond Domenech will stand down if Les Bleus fail to qualify for the World Cup.

The former Lyon coach stayed on but has done little to improve his reputation.

A far from impressive qualifying campaign has been marred further by reports of a bust-up between Domenech and his players last month.

France booked their place in the play-offs with a 5-0 weekend victory over the Faroe Islands, and Platini is convinced a failure to go one step further and seal their place in South Africa will spell the end of Domenech's reign.

'Raymond will leave, that's for sure,' said the former France captain.

'His problem isn't football, but that of his communication.'

Platini explained: 'France deserve to be in the play-offs ... looking at the teams they could meet, it won't be easy. I saw Slovakia against Slovenia, it will be very difficult if it's one of these two countries.

'Moreover, it will be the same against the others too. Republic of Ireland, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina...these are football teams who are growing and who are dying of hunger.'

Platini, who won 72 caps and scored 41 goals for France, admits he is worried about the national team's future.

'There has been an end of a generation.' he added.

France need to rebuild a team. We don't really have a great generation. Other countries like Italy know this.'