Montpellier president opens door to Domenech

PARIS (AFP) –

Raymond Domenech, watches players of the Austria Wien Under-11 train at the Generali Arena in Vienna on January 15, 2011. Montpellier president Louis Nicollin told French radio on Monday he is open to the idea of former France coach Domenech taking over as their new coach after the club revealed they will part ways with Rene Girard at the end of the season.

Montpellier president Louis Nicollin told French radio on Monday he is open to the idea of former France coach Raymond Domenech taking over as their new coach after the club revealed they will part ways with Rene Girard at the end of the season.

The much maligned Domenech was fired following the 2010 World Cup disaster when the team failed to get past the group phase and a player mutiny led to an embarrassing strike by the players. But he did lead his country to the 2006 World Cup final where they were beaten on penalties by Italy.

“It came down to very little that Raymond Domenech was not world champion like Aime Jacquet,” the flamboyant president told RMC.

Under Girard, Montpellier won their first ever French title in 2012 but Nicollin said Sunday there would be a parting of the ways this summer.

Regarding Domenech as a potential replacement, Nicollin said: “I wouldn’t be against it. We’re going to think about it but he has to agree as well, because Montpellier are not just any old team.”

When asked about the possible appointment of former Paris Saint-Germain coach Antoine Komboure taking over, he replied in an equally frank manner.

“Kombouare? I don’t think I would get on with him but it’s not been ruled out. He is being considered and I will think about it,” continued Nicollin.

“To really annoy PSG, I would like to bring in Diego Maradona. With him, we would be all over the papers. I would like to say yes to him, but I can’t see him coaching Montpellier and I don’t have the financial power of the Qataris (PSG owners) to bring him here.” he joked.