PARIS // Raymond Domenech accepts he is a man under pressure as he begins a new chapter in his reign as France coach. Domenech, who has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2004, avoided the sack despite his team's failure at Euro 2008 when they were unable to progress past the group stage. Ahead of today's friendly against Sweden, and the start of the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup, the 56-year-old admits he has no room for error.
"I am still motivated. I am more motivated than I am under pressure. But being under pressure is motivation in itself," he said. "I can't wait to get the players back, to get this machine back going again. For me, this is a true departure. I have a generation who will inject new blood into the squad, with players who have a precise objective, the 2010 World Cup. We are back fighting at a high level, with an army ready to attack."
Meanwhile, Scotland manager George Burley has suffered five call-offs ahead of his side's friendly international against Northern Ireland. Celtic duo Paul Hartley and Gary Caldwell are out along with Cardiff pair Gavin Rae and Kevin McNaughton and Preston's Callum Davidson. But assistant manager Terry Butcher attempted to make light of the withdrawals joking: "We only have five this time, usually it's eight or nine. Five withdrawals isn't bad - George is pretty pleased with that!"
* PA Sport