By Community Correspondent Jamie MacEwan

Times are tough for anyone of French extraction as I found out these past two weeks. Tuesday 22nd’s loss to South Africa confirmed an early and indignant exit, with France bottom of their group. Italy’s own debacle provides just a hint of reprieve for vengeful French fans, but this cannot cover up their feat of mustering the worst performance at this competition.

That was thus Raymond Domenech (RayDom)’s last game in charge for France, after 6 years at the helm. It seems a good time to evaluate his overall performance.

France barely managed to qualify for the WC 2006, but made the final after the return of greats such as Zidane, Makele and Thuram from international retirement. Was France’s success limited to these veterans’ positive effect?

Two tournaments on, the answer is the plainest ‘yes’ since the IPCC were asked if climate change existed. One point and out in euro 2008 and once more in 2010, France have managed just 4 goals in their last three games. Should this be a surprise?

Perhaps not. RayDom played as an uninspiring defender in his youth and his managerial career has produced not one cup or league success. Since 2006, the way the team plays has not changed one jot.

It is said that the FFF (la Fédération de Foot Française) kept him on after 2008 because, as an insider to the system, he was ably-suited to maintaining insider priorities in a notoriously conservative set-up. Their goals obviously did not include playing good football, giving the next generation a proper chance, or winning.

On the other hand, the recent debacle seems to be the result of an unexpected collapse in spirit and morale – before the World Cup, RayDom’s record was over 50% wins (although the previous coach, Santini, managed 78%), 30% draws and just 16% draws. In their last 6 games, France have managed one win, two draws and three losses. .

Hints that the building tension has finally boiled over this year have recently been confirmed. Anelka has been sent home after launching a tirade of expletives against RayDom at half time against Mexico and refusing to apologise.

Then on Sunday, just two days before their next game, Evra (the captain) led a team rebellion. He had a heated altercation with the FFF’s managing director, who promptly turned away in disgust, threw his accredited badge to the ground and drove off, having resigned.

The squad then refused to train in support of Anelka. Many subsequently refused even to play against SA.

Managers cannot just be judged on results, but also on how they foster the right atmosphere in the camp. RayDom, when it really mattered, has failed on both counts.

A final example reinforces the ridiculous lack of control he has had on the situation. Gourcuff (attacking midfielder) did not start against Mexico because of player pressure – France duly failed to score.

His comfortable background and penchant for opera music was obviously enough to invite the animosity of his teammates, something which RayDom seemed unwilling to combat. He’s patently out of touch with reality – but certainly could not get France playing fantastical football.