Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast-Episode 186 (Interview with Atlético Mineiro’s Supporters Ambassador in New Jersey, Mr. Stanley Cunha as we discuss the Brazil National Team under Paulo Roberto Falcão in the years 1990-91)

 This is the 186th episode of my podcast, 'Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast’.

 

For this episode, I interview Brazilian Futebol fan Mr. Stanley Cunha @consuladogalonj as we discuss the Brazil National Team under Paulo Roberto Falcão in the years 1990-91

 

Mr. Cunha is the Brazilian Club, Atlético Mineiro’s Supporters Ambassador in New Jersey,

 

For compendium to the Brazil National Team matches under Paulo Roberto Falcão in the years 1990-91, see:

https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2018/03/compendium-to-paulo-roberto-falcao-era.html

https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2018/03/compendium-to-paulo-roberto-falcao-era_19.html

 

 

For any questions/comments, you may contact us:

You may also contact me on this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

 

Mr. Paul Whittle, @1888letter on twitter and https://the1888letter.com/contact/

https://linktr.ee/BeforeThePremierLeague

 

You may also follow the podcast on spotify and now on Google podcasts  Apple podcasts and stitcher all under ‘Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast’

Please leave a review, rate and subscribe if you like the podcast.

Mr. Cunha’s contact info:

On Twitter: @consuladogalonj

On Twitter: @stanleycunha

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galonewjersey

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galonewjersey/?fbclid=IwAR0vX8r2SLDTYpN9VtNd5KhIZrBh8PoMt7EjF_sn-rvA1Lbk1UDAaoBoLJ4

 

 

Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts:













Friday, May 9, 2025

Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast-Episode 185 (Interview with Mr. Jan Roskott of http://dutchsoccersite.org/ on Ajax Amsterdam’s victory in the 1994/95 Champions League)

 This is the 185th episode of my podcast, 'Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast’.

 

For this episode, I interview Mr. Jan Roskott of http://dutchsoccersite.org/ as we discuss Ajax Amsterdam’s victory in the 1994/95 Champions League.

 

For any questions/comments, you may contact us:

You may also contact me on this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

 

Mr. Paul Whittle, @1888letter on twitter and https://the1888letter.com/contact/

https://linktr.ee/BeforeThePremierLeague

 

You may also follow the podcast on spotify and Apple podcasts all under ‘Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast’

Please leave a review, rate and subscribe if you like the podcast.

Mr. Roskottt’s contact info:

Email: jroskott@gmail.com

twitter: @DutchSoccerSite

Website: http://dutchsoccersite.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dutchsoccersite

 

Listen on Spotify / Apple:















Ajax Amsterdam’s triumph in the 1994/95 Champions League

 

When the 1994/95 season kicked off, no one could foresee that Dutch Champions Ajax Amsterdam would not only win the Champions League (undefeated) but would also retain the Dutch league title undefeated.

Former Assistant Ajax Manager Louis Van Gaal had been promoted on September 28, 1991 after Leo Beenhakker had left his post to rejoin Real Madrid.


Photo From: World Soccer, June 1995

(Louis Van Gaal)



In a few years, he would oversee the development of a young squad that would take Europe by storm during the 1994/95 season.

After winning the UEFA Cup in 1992, van Gaal led Ajax to win the Dutch Cup in 1993. That summer, former Ajax Great Frank Rijkaard returned home after many years in the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.

It was by the 1993/94 season that Ajax were ready and did capture the League title.

This enabled them to embark on this unexpected and magical Champions League campaign.

Van Gaal’s side was led by veterans, Captain Danny Blind and Frank Rijkaard.

The rest of the squad included young stars such as the De Boer brothers (Frank and Ronald), goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, the Finnish Jari Litmanen, Marc Overmars and the Nigerian duo: Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu.

In this summer of 1994, Van Gaal would launch an 18-year-old youngster into the first team, who would be the revelation of the season at home and abroad, a certain Patrick Kluivert.

In addition, defender Michael Reizger, who had returned from his loan at Groningen, established himself as right-back ahead of veteran Sonny Silooy.

 

The Champions League group phase started in September and the very first match on September 14th was at home to AC Milan, the defending Champions League winners.

Ajax would stamp its intent by defeating a struggling AC Milan (2-0) and make everyone take notice. This would be the first of three encounters between the sides (more on that later).


Photo From: Ajax, De Complete Werken, Aflevering 27 AC Milan

(September 14, 1994, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 2-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: World Soccer, June 1995

(September 14, 1994, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 2-AC Milan 0)



 For matchday 2, on September 28th, they defeated Greek side AEK (2-1) away from home to take an early lead in the group.

Its next two encounters in the group phase (Matchdays 3 and 4) were against the Austrians of Casino Salzburg. On October 19th, in the away tie, Ajax came away with a scoreless tie. This was followed by another tie against the Austrian side at home (1-1) on November 2nd.


Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 74, March 1995

(November 2, 1994, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-Casino Salzburg 1)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 75, April 1995

(November 2, 1994, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-Casino Salzburg 1)



It was on Matchday 5 (November 23rd), that Ajax really showed its title winning potential as they defeated AC Milan once more (2-0) in Italy.

Ajax finished off the group phase on December 7th, at home against AEK (2-0) to win the group and look forward to the Quarterfinals in Spring.

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 71, December 1994

(November 23, 1994, Champions League, AC Milan 0-Ajax Amsterdam 2)



By the midpoint of the season, Ajax were running away with the League title and dominant in Europe.

Patrick Kluivert had already gained his first cap for the Netherlands. Virtually, most members of this Ajax team were in the Dutch National Team. Soon, Edwin van Der Sar would be promoted to be the starting goalkeeper of the National Team as well.

The Finnish star Jari Litmanen was scoring regularly and shining at the highest level. It was a rarity in those day for a player from Finland to grab the headlines.

The only blemish in an otherwise faultless season was Ajax’s elimination in the Dutch Cup at the hands of Feyenoord. It would be Ajax’s only defeat in the entire season.

 

The Quarterfinal opponents in March 1995 were the Croatian side Hajduk Split. On March 1st, at Split, Ajax earned a scoreless tie.

For the return fixture at Amsterdam, on March 15th, Ajax won (3-0) to advance to the semifinals.

 

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1995

(March 15, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 3-Hajduk Split 0)



In the semifinals, Ajax were paired with German giants Bayern Munich. In the first leg, at Munich, on April 5th, Ajax earned a scoreless tie to gain the advantage for the second leg.

In the second leg at home, on April 19th, Ajax demolished Bayern (5-2) to decisively qualify for the Final.

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 76, May 1995

(April 5, 1995, Champions League, Bayern Munich 0-Ajax Amsterdam 0)



Photo From: World Soccer, May 1995

(April 5, 1995, Champions League, Bayern Munich 0-Ajax Amsterdam 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 76, May 1995

(April 19, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 5- Bayern Munich 2)



Photo From: France Football, Issue 2559, April 25, 1995

(April 19, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 5- Bayern Munich 2)



The Final was on May 24th, 1995, against …. AC Milan. By now, Milan had improved from its early season slump. Despite winning twice against the Italians, Ajax were not clear favorites for the Final.

Van Gaal, himself had felt that any team that was playing its fifth Final in seven seasons should be looked as favorites.

However, this Ajax had a date with destiny as did Kluivert, who came on as a substitute during the match. He would score the winning goal to cap off a dream season for him and his club.


Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 77, June 1995

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: World Soccer, July 1995

(Ajax Amsterdam squad, May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Photo From: Ajax, De Complete Werken, Aflevering 27 AC Milan

(May 24, 1995, Champions League, Ajax Amsterdam 1-AC Milan 0)



Just a year before, no one knew who he was. Now he was one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Ajax won its first Champions Cup trophy since 1973 and the days of Cruyff (22 years).

Rijkaard could retire in style after winning the most prestigious European club trophy (against his former side no less).

Ajax won 27 of their 34 League matches that season (tying the other 7).

An adventure like Ajax was a rarity even then given the expenditures of teams from Italy, Spain, and Germany.

This was simply one of the greatest seasons ever by any club in Europe.


Photo From: Ajax, De Complete Werken, Aflevering 27 AC Milan

(End of season celebrations)





Thursday, May 8, 2025

The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 104 (Interview with French Author and French Football Blogger Mr. Richard Coudrais, on France National Team under Aimé Jacquet, 1993/94 season)

 

For this interview, I continue with the history of the France National Team under Aimé Jacquet season by season, with the 1993/94 season.

This will be a semi-regular and continuous series.

The Interview is in English and in French.

The Interviewee is:

French Author and French Football Blogger Mr. Richard Coudrais.

 

Mr. Coudrais’ contact info:

On Twitter: @richardcoudrais

On Bluesky: @richardcoudrais.bsky.social

Website: www.richard-coudrais.com

 

 

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Après le désastre contre la Bulgarie le 17 novembre 1993, Aimé Jacquet est nommé sélectionneur de l'équipe nationale. A-t-il été choisi pour des raisons de continuité ?

Soccernostalgia Question: After the disaster against Bulgaria on November 17, 1993, Aimé Jacquet was appointed as the National team manager. Was he chosen for continuity reasons? 

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Aimé Jacquet est l’adjoint de Gérard Houllier et c’est naturellement que la FFF lui confie l’équipe de France. Toutefois, Jacquet est annoncé comme un intérimaire chargé des affaires courantes jusqu’à la fin de la saison 1993/1994. La presse et l’opinion publique, comme souvent après un échec, demandent un changement radical et la nomination d’un grand nom dans l’optique de la Coupe du monde 1998. Le mythe de “l’homme providentiel” reste très prégnant dans la culture française. Les glorieux anciens font plus ou moins ouvertement acte de candidature. Mais pour sa première demi-saison, Jacquet présente un bilan parfait : quatre matchs, quatre victoires. Il devient dès lors difficile de le déloger. 

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  Aimé Jacquet was Gérard Houllier's assistant, and it was only natural that the FFF entrusted him with the French national team. However, Jacquet was announced as an interim manager, in charge of day-to-day affairs until the end of the 1993/1994 season. The press and public opinion, as is often the case after a setback, demanded a radical change and the appointment of a big name with a view to the 1998 World Cup. The myth of the "providential man" remained very strong in French culture. The glorious former players more or less openly applied for the job. But for his first half-season, Jacquet had a perfect record: four matches, four victories. It then became difficult to dislodge him.


Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Aimé Jacquet, l'ancien manager bordelais de l'ère Bez, a connu plusieurs périodes décevantes à Montpellier et Nancy et était un peu l'homme d'hier à ce stade. Sa nomination a-t-elle surpris le public ?

Soccernostalgia Question: Aimé Jacquet, the former Bordeaux Manager of the Bez era, had been having a number of disappointing spells at Montpellier and Nancy and was somewhat yesterday’s man at this point. Did his appointment surprise the public?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French):  Sa réputation a en effet été singulièrement ternie. Viré de Bordeaux en 1989, viré de Montpellier en 1990, viré de Nancy en 1991, il passe clairement pour un “loser” et son intégration à la DTN avait été perçue comme une solution de repli après ces mauvais résultats. Les Français sont donc surpris de le retrouver sur le devant de la scène en 1994. On avait oublié l’excellent travail qu’il avait réalisé avec les Girondins de Bordeaux dans les années 1980, avec trois titres de champion de France, deux Coupes de France et quelques beaux parcours européens.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  His reputation had indeed been singularly tarnished. Fired from Bordeaux in 1989, fired from Montpellier in 1990, fired from Nancy in 1991, he was clearly considered a "loser" and his integration into the DTN had been seen as a fallback solution after these poor results. The French were therefore surprised to find him back in the spotlight in 1994. We had forgotten the excellent work he had done with the Girondins de Bordeaux in the 1980s, with three French championship titles, two French Cups and some fine European runs.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Est-ce que cela a été considéré comme le moment idéal pour constituer une équipe avec moins de pression ?

Soccernostalgia Question: Was this seen as an ideal time to build a team with less pressure? 

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): L’équipe de France ne participe pas à la Coupe du monde 1994 et les éliminatoires de l’Euro 1996 ne commencent que dans huit mois. On peut donc considérer que la période est tranquille. L’équipe de France a deux matchs au programme et participe en fin de saison à la Kirin Cup, un tournoi au Japon. La pression est d’autant moins forte que le public considère toujours Jacquet comme un intérimaire. Le sélectionneur fait toutefois des choix importants : il désigne Eric Cantona capitaine, il maintient David Ginola malgré les tensions au sein de l’équipe, il fait appel à de vrais latéraux pour jouer sur les côtés… Il marque une rupture avec Houllier.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  The French team did not participate in the 1994 World Cup and the Euro 1996 qualifiers did not begin for another eight months. It could therefore be considered a quiet period. The French team had two matches scheduled and participated in the Kirin Cup, a tournament in Japan, at the end of the season. The pressure was all the less intense as the public still considered Jacquet as a temporary manager. However, the coach made some important choices: he appointed Eric Cantona as captain, he kept David Ginola on despite tensions within the team, he brought in real full-backs to play on the wings... He marked a break with Houllier.


 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le premier match de l'ère Jacquet fut un match amical contre l'Italie à Naples le 16 février 1994. La France s'imposait étonnamment (1-0). Cela a-t-il été perçu comme un premier pas en avant contre un adversaire aussi prestigieux ?

Soccernostalgia Question: The first match of the Jacquet era was a friendly against Italy at Naples on February 16, 1994. France surprisingly won (1-0). Was this seen as a great first step against such a prestigious opponent?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): A ce moment-là, on se dit surtout que l’Italie va être championne du monde ! Depuis trois éditions, le vainqueur de la phase finale est une équipe qui a été battue quelques mois plus tôt par la France en match amical : l'Italie en 1982, l’Argentine en 1986, la RFA en 1990… et la série a failli se poursuivre puisque l’Italie a été jusqu’en finale en 1994. Les Français signent à Naples une belle victoire, la première en terre italienne depuis soixante-quatorze ans. Le sélectionneur rappelle Eric Di Meco quatre ans après sa précédente sélection, mais aussi Christian Karembeu et Jérôme Gnako, tous deux absents depuis plus d’un an. Youri Djorkaeff est titulaire pour la première fois et c’est lui qui marque le but de la victoire. A vingt-cinq ans, il commence enfin à s’imposer après un début de carrière un peu long. Il terminera la saison co-meilleur buteur du championnat. La victoire en Italie est encourageante, mais le match passe médiatiquement au second plan à cause des Jeux olympiques de Lillehammer qui occupent alors les écrans.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  At that moment, the main thing was that Italy was going to be world champion! For the past three editions, the winner of the final phase has been a team that had been beaten a few months earlier by France in a friendly match: Italy in 1982, Argentina in 1986, West Germany in 1990... and the streak almost continued since Italy reached the final in 1994. The French achieved a fine victory in Naples, the first on Italian soil in seventy-four years. The coach recalled Eric Di Meco four years after his previous selection, as well as Christian Karembeu and Jérôme Gnako, both of whom had been absent for over a year. Youri Djorkaeff started for the first time and scored the winning goal. At twenty-five, he was finally beginning to establish himself after a somewhat slow start to his career. He would finish the season as the league's joint top scorer. The victory in Italy was encouraging, but the match was given secondary media attention due to the Lillehammer Olympic Games, which were currently on the screens.

 

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 61, February 1994

(Paolo Maldini and Marcel Desailly)


 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2498, February 22, 1994

(February 16, 1994, Italy 0-France 1)


Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French):
Après l'élimination en 1993 contre la Bulgarie, Jean-Pierre Papin abandonne le poste de capitaine. Jacquet a nommé Eric Cantona comme nouveau capitaine. Comment cette décision a-t-elle été perçue par la presse ?

Soccernostalgia Question: After the 1993 elimination against Bulgaria, Jean-Pierre Papin gave up the captaincy. Jacquet appointed Eric Cantona as the new captain. How was this decision regarded by the Press?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Cantona n’a jamais fait l’unanimité en France et le fait que le sélectionneur lui confie le brassard a bien entendu fait débat. A Naples, il est le joueur qui compte le plus de sélections… à égalité avec Deschamps. Je pense que Jacquet a voulu responsabiliser Cantona car il compte en faire son homme de base. Il suit en cela l’exemple d’Alex Ferguson, le coach de Manchester United, qui a fait de Cantona l’élément central de son équipe.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  Cantona has never been unanimously popular in France, and the fact that the coach gave him the armband was naturally controversial. At Naples, he is the player with the most caps... tied with Deschamps. I think Jacquet wanted to empower Cantona because he intends to make him his key player. In this, he is following the example of Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, who made Cantona the central figure in his team.


Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le match suivant fut un match amical à Lyon le 22 mars 1994 contre le Chili. La France (débutant un nouveau maillot) a gagné (3-1). Jacquet commençait-il à convaincre la presse ?

Soccernostalgia Question: The next match was a friendly at Lyon on March 22, 1994, against Chile. France (debuting a new kit) won (3-1). Was Jacquet starting to convince the press?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): La victoire contre Chili à Lyon était attendue. Les deux équipes sont absentes de la Coupe du monde aux Etats-Unis, le Chili étant suspendu depuis l’affaire Rojas en 1989. C’est le retour de Papin, qui avait pourtant annoncé la fin de sa carrière internationale après la défaite contre la Bulgarie. Il inscrit le premier but de la rencontre. C’est Djorkaeff, décidément très en vue, qui marque le deuxième (après l’égalisation de Zamorano). Corentin Martins marque le troisième but en seconde mi-temps. Le sélectionneur a rappelé Jocelyn Angloma et Christophe Cocard, que Houllier a rarement fait jouer. Il donne sa première sélection à Jean-Michel Ferri, un milieu récupérateur du FC Nantes. D’ailleurs en fin de match, après la blessure d’Alain Roche, on retrouve Ferri et Karembeu en défense centrale. Le sélectionneur est encore en phase d’essais et son équipe gagne, ce qui lui laisse du répit.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  The victory against Chile in Lyon was expected. Both teams were absent from the World Cup in the United States, Chile having been suspended since the Rojas affair in 1989. Papin returned, having announced the end of his international career after the defeat against Bulgaria. He scored the first goal of the match. Djorkaeff, who had clearly been very prominent, scored the second (after Zamorano's equalizer). Corentin Martins scored the third goal in the second half. The coach recalled Jocelyn Angloma and Christophe Cocard, whom Houllier had rarely played. He gave his first cap to Jean-Michel Ferri, a defensive midfielder from FC Nantes. Moreover, at the end of the match, after Alain Roche's injury, Ferri and Karembeu were brought in at center back. The coach was still in the testing phase and his team won, which gave him some breathing room.

 

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2503, March 29, 1994

(March 22, 1994, France 3-Chile 1)


 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): La France a également commencé à jouer des matches à l'extérieur du Parc des Princes après le traumatisme des deux derniers éliminatoires en 1993. Comment cette décision a-t-elle été prise ?

Soccernostalgia Question: France also started playing matches away from Parc des Princes after the trauma of the last two qualifiers in 1993. How was this decision made?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): En effet, Aimé Jacquet a souhaité que l’équipe de France joue des matchs en province, pour plusieurs raisons : la sélection nationale doit être l’équipe de toute la France et pas seulement de Paris. Elle bénéficie d’un soutien populaire très fort quand elle joue en province. Elle n’a plus joué un match important hors du Parc depuis 1975. Les relations avec le public parisien se sont détériorées avec les dernières rencontres fin 1993. Dans la perspective de la Coupe du monde 1998, il est bon que l’équipe de France joue dans d’autres stades dans l’hexagone pour acquérir l’adhésion populaire.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  Indeed, Aimé Jacquet wanted the French team to play matches in the provinces, for several reasons: the national team must be the team of all of France and not just Paris. It benefits from very strong popular support when it plays in the provinces. It has not played an important match away from the Parc since 1975. Relations with the Parisian public deteriorated with the last matches at the end of 1993. In view of the 1998 World Cup, it is good that the French team plays in other stadiums in France to gain popular support.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): La France étant absente de la Coupe du monde 1994, elle participe à la Coupe Kirin 1994 avec le Japon et l'Australie. Rétrospectivement, cette tournée a-t-elle été utile à Jacquet pour constituer une équipe pour l’avenir ?

Soccernostalgia Question: As France were absent from the 1994 World Cup, they participated in the 1994 Kirin Cup with Japan and Australia. In retrospect, was this tour helpful for Jacquet to build a team for the future?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): La Kirin Cup a lieu fin mai et la World Cup américaine débute mi-juin. La France aurait donc pu participer au tournoi japonais tout en étant qualifiée à la Coupe du monde. D’ailleurs, l’Argentine était invitée à cette Kirin Cup et doit son absence aux autorités japonaises qui ont refusé l’entrée sur leur territoire de Maradona et Caniggia, deux joueurs récemment impliqués dans des affaires de drogue. J’ignore si, côté français, la Coupe Kirin était prévue ou du moins envisagée depuis longtemps, mais Jacquet a tenu à honorer l’invitation. Les sélectionneurs apprécient particulièrement ces expéditions à l’étranger, surtout quand ils viennent d’arriver. C’est le meilleur moyen de souder un groupe. Hidalgo avait demandé l’organisation d’une tournée en Amérique du Sud à la fin de la saison 1976/1977 et Platini avait accepté l’invitation du Koweït pour un mini-tournoi fin 1990. Henri Michel avait également fait une demande du même genre quand il a eu besoin de redynamiser son équipe en 1988, mais il n’a eu qu’un tournoi en France (à Monaco et Toulouse).

Au Japon, le sélectionneur emmène vingt joueurs dont trois nouveaux : Fabien Barthez, Christophe Dugarry et Nicolas Ouédec, qui ont tous les trois vingt-deux ans. Il a également appelé Zinédine Zidane et Lilian Thuram mais les deux ont déclaré forfait sur blessure. Le sélectionneur enregistre par ailleurs le retour de Laurent Blanc qui, comme Papin, est revenu sur sa décision de ne plus répondre aux convocations de l’équipe de France. Jacquet rappelle également Emmanuel Petit et Reynald Pedros, qui n’étaient plus apparus depuis France-Bulgarie 1993.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  The Kirin Cup takes place at the end of May and the American World Cup begins in mid-June. France could therefore have participated in the Japanese tournament while still qualifying for the World Cup. Moreover, Argentina was invited to this Kirin Cup and owes its absence to the Japanese authorities who refused entry to their territory to Maradona and Caniggia, two players recently implicated in drug cases. I don't know if, on the French side, the Kirin Cup was planned or at least considered for a long time, but Jacquet insisted on honoring the invitation. The coaches particularly appreciate these expeditions abroad, especially when they have just arrived. It's the best way to unite a group. Hidalgo had requested a tour of South America at the end of the 1976/1977 season and Platini had accepted Kuwait's invitation for a mini-tournament at the end of 1990. Henri Michel had also made a similar request when he needed to reinvigorate his team in 1988, but he only had one tournament in France (in Monaco and Toulouse).

To Japan, the coach is taking twenty players, including three new ones: Fabien Barthez, Christophe Dugarry, and Nicolas Ouédec, all twenty-two years old. He also called up Zinédine Zidane and Lilian Thuram, but both have withdrawn due to injury. The coach also welcomes the return of Laurent Blanc, who, like Papin, reversed his decision to no longer respond to call-ups to the French national team. Jacquet also recalls Emmanuel Petit and Reynald Pedros, who have not appeared since France-Bulgaria 1993.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le premier match de la France en Coupe Kirin s'est déroulé contre l'Australie le 26 mai 1994 à Kobé. La France a gagné (1-0) grâce au but vainqueur de Cantona. Champions du monde 1998, Fabien Barthez et Christophe Dugarry ont fait leurs débuts internationaux. La France commençait-elle à reprendre confiance ?

Soccernostalgia Question: France’s first match in the Kirin Cup was against Australia on May 26, 1994, at Kobe. France won (1-0) with Cantona scoring the winner. 1998 World Cup champions, Fabien Barthez and Christophe Dugarry made their International debuts. Were France starting to regain confidence?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): La rencontre s’est disputée dans des conditions épouvantables, avec de la pluie et du vent. La pelouse est gorgée d’eau avec d’immenses flaques qui freinent le ballon. La rencontre est maintenue pour satisfaire les sponsors et la télévision, mais elle n’aurait pas dû être jouée. Un match sans intérêt. Les joueurs jouent toutefois le jeu et les Français l’emportent sur un but à l’anglaise de Cantona. Papin a manqué un penalty (le troisième de sa carrière en bleu). Dugarry, pour sa première sélection, est l’auteur de la passe décisive pour Cantona, juste avant la mi-temps, et Barthez, première sélection également, réalise quelques arrêts de grande classe en fin de match.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  The match was played in appalling conditions, with rain and wind. The pitch was waterlogged with huge puddles that slowed the ball down. The match was maintained to satisfy sponsors and television, but it shouldn't have been played. A pointless match. The players nevertheless played their part, and the French won thanks to an English-style goal from Cantona. Papin missed a penalty (the third of his career for France). Dugarry, making his first appearance, provided the assist for Cantona just before halftime, and Barthez, also making his first appearance, made a couple of classy saves late in the match.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Le prochain match de la Coupe Kirin et le dernier match de la saison de la France eut lieu contre le Japon, hôte, le 29 mai 1994. La France s'imposa confortablement (4-1) pour remporter la Coupe Kirin. Comment les performances de ce tournoi ont-elles été perçues ?

Soccernostalgia Question: The next match in the Kirin Cup and France’s last match of the season was against the hosts Japan on May 29, 1994. France won comfortably (4-1) to win the Kirin Cup. How was this tournament’s performances viewed?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): La Coupe Kirin n’a pas un formidable impact en France. Les adversaires (que la France rencontrait tous deux pour la première fois) sont considérés comme des équipes de seconde zone. En outre, le résultat importe peu. Jacquet fait jouer un maximum de joueurs sur les deux rencontres, même s’il préserve sa défense autour de Blanc, Angloma et Di Meco et maintient ceux qui sont encore considérées commes les stars de l’équipe, Papin, Cantona et Ginola.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  The Kirin Cup didn't have a huge impact on France. The opponents (both of whom France were facing for the first time) were considered second-tier teams. Furthermore, the result mattered little. Jacquet played as many players as possible in both matches, even if he preserved his defense around Blanc, Angloma, and Di Meco and kept in those who were still considered the team's stars: Papin, Cantona, and Ginola.

 

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2512, May 31, 1994

(France’s matches in the Kirin Cup against Australia and Japan)



Photo From: France Football, Issue 2513, June 7, 1994

(May 29, 1994, Kirin Cup, Japan 1-France 4)


Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): À la fin de la saison, Jacquet était-il considéré comme l'homme qui pourrait reconstruire le football français ou y avait-il des doutes à son sujet dans la presse ?

Soccernostalgia Question: At the end of the season, was Jacquet regarded as the man who might rebuild French Football or were there doubts about him from the Press?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Une “certaine presse” comme il l’a souvent nommée est franchement hostile à Aimé Jacquet. Il y a plusieurs explications à ça : Jacquet n’est pas charismatique, il préfère le survêtement au costume. Il vient de la DTN qui n’a pas forcément bonne presse. Les journalistes préféreraient voir une vedette à la tête des Bleus, surtout dans la perspective de la Coupe du monde 1998. Ils regrettent Platini, rêvent de Cruyff, de Tigana, de Fernandez… Pour toutes ces raisons, les conférences de presse sont tendues. Jacquet se méfie des journalistes et évite d’en dire trop. Et les journalistes lui reprochent un manque de communication.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  A "certain press," as he often calls it, is frankly hostile to Aimé Jacquet. There are several explanations for this: Jacquet isn't charismatic; he prefers a tracksuit to a suit. He comes from the DTN (National Technical Directorate), which doesn't necessarily have a good reputation. Journalists would prefer to see a star at the helm of Les Bleus, especially in the run-up to the 1998 World Cup. They miss Platini, dream of Cruyff, Tigana, Fernandez... For all these reasons, press conferences are tense. Jacquet distrusts journalists and avoids saying too much. And the journalists criticize him for a lack of communication.

 

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2526, September 6, 1994

(France matches during the 1993/94 season)


Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Jacquet commençait à donner des opportunités aux jeunes joueurs. Lorgnait-il déjà sur la Coupe du Monde 1998 ou sur l'objectif immédiat de l'Euro 1996 ?

Soccernostalgia Question: Jacquet was starting to give younger players opportunities. Was he already eyeing the 1998 World Cup or the immediate objective of Euros 1996?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Son objectif est la Coupe du monde 1998, mais une qualification à l’Euro 1996 est essentielle dans la réalisation de cet objectif. Le sélectionneur souhaite que ses joueurs acquièrent l'expérience d'une phase finale. N'oublions pas que la France n’en a connu qu’une seule dans l’intervalle 1986-1996. Jacquet donne sa chance à de jeunes joueurs. Les centres de formation deviennent très performants et les clubs français vivent la meilleure période de leur histoire sur le plan européen.  

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  His goal was the 1998 World Cup, but qualification for Euro 1996 was essential to achieving this goal. The coach wanted his players to gain experience of a final tournament. Let's not forget that France had only played in one, between 1986 and 1996. Jacquet gave young players a chance. The youth academies were becoming very successful, and French clubs were enjoying the best period in their history in European football.

 

 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 17, 1994

(France matches during the 1993/94 season)


 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French): Dans ces premiers mois, en quoi Jacquet était-il différent de Houllier en termes de dialogue avec les joueurs comme de tactique ?

Soccernostalgia Question: In these first months, how was Jacquet different from Houllier in terms of dialogue with players as well as tactics?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Il est difficile de dire comment cela se passe au sein du groupe. Toutefois, on a pu voir dans le documentaire “Les yeux dans les Bleus”, diffusé juste après la Coupe du monde 1998, combien Jacquet savait parler aux joueurs. Son autorité et sa connaissance précise du foot ont été une surprise pour beaucoup. Il est difficile de comparer avec Houllier car nous n'avons pas d’images de lui coachant ses joueurs. On peut toutefois penser que Houllier avait un ton plus professoral, plus distant, et qu’il avait sans doute moins d’autorité. Son groupe semblait plus volcanique que celui de Jacquet, où tout semble apaisé. Peut-être aussi, comme je l’ai dit dans une précédente interview, que Houllier, qui n’avait pas de passé de joueur, ne sentait pas les choses autant que Jacquet. Pour en revenir à cette fin de saison 1993/1994, Jacquet construit d'abord sa défense, qui est pour lui la base du succès. Il privilégie les latéraux de métier et les demis défensifs. C’est la recette qu’il avait appliquée à Bordeaux. Une défense solide pour donner une bonne assise aux joueurs plus créatifs.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  It's hard to say how things worked within the squad. However, the documentary "Les yeux dans les Bleus," broadcast just after the 1998 World Cup, showed how well Jacquet knew how to talk to the players. His authority and precise knowledge of football came as a surprise to many. It's difficult to compare him with Houllier because we don't have any footage of him coaching his players. However, we can assume that Houllier had a more professorial, more distant tone, and that he probably had less authority. His squad seemed more volatile than Jacquet's, where everything seemed calm. Perhaps also, as I said in a previous interview, Houllier, who had no playing background, didn't feel things as well as Jacquet. To return to the end of the 1993/1994 season, Jacquet first built his defense, which for him was the basis of success. He favored professional fullbacks and defensive midfielders. This is the recipe he applied at Bordeaux: a solid defense to provide a solid foundation for the more creative players.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: (Original Question in French):
Cette saison 1993-94 a été une saison de montagnes russes avec des creux importants et une fin positive. Rétrospectivement, Jacquet était-il l’influence apaisante dont la France avait besoin ?

Soccernostalgia Question: This 1993-94 season was a rollercoaster season with significant lows and a positive end. In retrospect, was Jacquet the calming influence that France needed?

Richard Coudrais Response: (Original Response in French): Une période ascensionnelle, de fortes turbulences puis le calme plat, c’est ainsi qu’on pourrait résumer la saison 1993/1994 de l’équipe de France. Le futur semble nous dire en effet que Jacquet était l’homme de la situation. Mais c’est toujours facile de tirer ces conclusions a posteriori. A l’époque, on en était plutôt à attendre le faux-pas pour exiger son remplacement. Les candidats ne manquaient pas. Mais je crois que Jacquet bénéficiait d’un atout très important : la confiance des joueurs.

Richard Coudrais Response: (English Translation):  A period of ascent, significant turbulence, and then a lull—that's how we could sum up the 1993/1994 season for the French national team. The future seems to tell us that Jacquet was the man for the job. But it's always easy to draw these conclusions in hindsight. At the time, people were more likely to wait for a misstep to occur before demanding his replacement. There was no shortage of candidates. But I believe Jacquet enjoyed a very important asset: the players' trust.