Laurent Blanc's Scorched Earth Policy

Laurent Blanc has a rather large set of cajones. In his first act as the new head coach of the French national team, Blanc has managed to cut all 23 French World Cup players for his first match in charge, a forthcoming friendly against in Norway in Oslo. In one swift kick to French testicles, Blanc has managed to banish, embarrass and ridicule all 23 members of the World Cup squad.

Just a little back story for anyone who has been living under a rock for the past month or so. During the World Cup the French national team went on strike due to discontent in the camp. Reportedly many members of the squad were upset with Raymond Domenech's tactics or lack of tactics and organized a players' revolt. Furthermore, the players were furious that Nicholas Anelka was banished from the team after the second match for speaking his mind towards Domenech. Leave it to the French to go on about revolutions and the such. Regardless, the players' strike was led by captain Patrice Evra and seconded by the many of the older members of the squad, William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Thierry Henry just to name a few. Before their third game of the tournament, Domenech stripped Evra of the captaincy and benched many of the players behind the revolt.

This brings us to today, where the FFF, the French Football Federation, announced their decision due to the recommendation from Laurent Blanc:

"Laurent Blanc proposed, and the council accepted, to retain for the friendly against Norway on Aug. 11 in Oslo none of the 23 players selected by the French Federation for the World Cup in South Africa. Laurent Blanc will announce the list of players selected for the game against Norway on Aug. 5 at the FFF headquarters."

I must say that I am shocked that first of all the FFF would agree to such a drastic measure, and I also must applaud them for backing their coach 100%. In an era in sports where we see the player controlling everything, such as LeBron and the LeBacle, it is refreshing to see an organization not fold to the demand's of the players but rather allowing for the coach to have the upper-hand. Footballers are given a tremendous amount of power, money and fame, and perhaps with this decision, some might sit back and realize it is an honor to wear their nation's jersey rather than just something else that was handed to them.