Just days before the World Cup qualifying play-off against the Republic of Ireland, PSG’s players through their support behind Les Bleus!

While no PSG player is in Raymond Domenech’s squad to take on Eire this Saturday and then the following Wednesday, in their 2010 World Cup qualifying play-off, Antoine Kombouaré’s squad are still fierce supporters of Les Bleus. “I think they’ll qualify, even if they will be two very tough matches,” declared Jérémy Clément while flicking through the morning press. Mevlut Erding was of the same mind: “I think France will qualify but I don’t think it will be a walk in the park. It’s never easy to win in Ireland.” The Turkish international, 11 caps, added: “Even if Ireland have never won anything, they are a tough team to break down.” Christophe Jallet also has faith in France’s chances: “I think they’ll get through, at least I hope they do. I’m France’s number one supporter. It would be such a shame if France didn’t qualify for the World Cup finals. We all know how important the first game is. You need to stand the pressure away, hold out, and if France can get a good result at Croke Park, I think they’ll be well on the way.”

A member of the France squad in 2005, when Les Bleus won 1-0 in Dublin, Grégory Coupet is expecting a very tough game. “Like everyone, I hope they’ll qualify. The difference now, compared to 2005 is that they’re coached by an Italian, Giovanni Trapattoni. I think that’s a very important factor. In 2005 they really took us on physically and were very good in the air. I think it will be exactly the same on Saturday and then again on Wednesday.”

In the absence of any Rouge et Bleu stars in the France squad, the Parisians agree we that verdict as well: “We aren’t good enough,” said Jérémy Clément, before adding, “You have to be honest, there are better players in their positions than us. You also have to be getting results with your club to have a chance of making the national team and that isn’t our case.” Mevlut Erding echoed his teammate’s verdict. “There are no PSG players in the France squad because the coach has chosen the most in form players. We’re not performing well at the moment and that can explain his decision. The competition for places in the France squad is a lot tougher than in other national teams and a lot of good Ligue 1 players weren’t picked. Les Bleus really is the best of the best.” Grégory Coupet, believes the young generation of PSG players isn’t too far away: “We have players in the Under-21 squad. They’re not too far away from the full senior squad. They’re knocking at the door and I think they’ll have their chance in the near future.”