France is in DEEP TROUBLE!

We first reported that young and great Earvin Ngapeth was droppped from the French National Team due to altercation with the coach during the Men’s World Championship last October.

We thought the drama was over…not really. We’ve learned that Ngapeth’s father, who is also a coach, initiated a petition among French players to endorse him as the new coach of France to “save” the team. Unfortunately, the French Federation dissolved this plan and decided to endorse Blain as the coach despite the opposition of some players.

(image from the FIVB)

As of today, Blain remains as the coach and might need to ask NEW players to join the team because some of his precious players have either retired or left the team. Here’s the breakdown:

• Earvin Ngapeth was expelled from the team.
• Middle Blocker, Oliver Keiffer, has retired from the National Team a couple of weeks ago.
• Yannick Bazin, setter from the 2009 European Silver Medalist Team, left the team because he doesn’t like Blain.
• Pierre Pujol is diagnosed with COLD HANDS SYNDROME which might jeopardized his contract with his Italian club team, Sisley Treviso.
• Hubert Henno, most experienced French libero, has retired and added on his site. Henno has also added that Blain refused to invite players, like Moreau, in 2010 with strong personalities.
• Stephane Antiga remains to be the only experienced player to represent France in 2011. Sadly, Antiga is no longer an effective outside hitter. He’s still a reliable passer and defender.

First of all, the absence of these players will for sure affect France this 2011 season. The European Championship is later this year and France’s chance of winning the GOLD might be impossible. In case you didn’t know, France lost to Poland in the Gold Medal match of the 2009 Europ Champs.

(Hubert Henno/ Image from lequipe.fr)

We don’t know Blain very well at all so we can’t say much. Since becoming the coach of the national team, we think he’s had great success within the last 10 years or so.

We are optimistic the issues will be resolved soon. As for now, Coach Blain might need to start reassessing his squad. The 2011 season is very critical and crucial because the Olympic Qualification tourneys start this year and for sure Blain wants to take France to London in 2012.

Good luck!