Santini restores optimism in France

Jacques Santini may not be the king of communication but appointed coach of France following the humiliating first round elimination at the 2002 World Cup, he has returned the winning ways to the flamboyant European champions as they go to Portugal as favourites to defend their crown.

Santini born in April 1952, was a gifted midfielder in his playing days with the great Saint Etienne side that reached the European Cup final in 1976, but was one of the few from that team never to play at international level.

In 12 seasons with the 'Green Devils' where he also had a spell as captain, he won four French titles and two domestic Cups.

After two years at Montpellier (1981-83), where he finished his playing days, he moved into coaching, taking the reins at third division Lisieux, and followed up with spells in charge of Toulouse, Lille, Saint-Etienne and Sochaux, all places where he achieved solid results.

In 2000, he was handed the coaching post at Lyon on a two year deal and the club entered arguably the greatest period in its history, playing three times in the Champions League, winning the League Cup in 2001 and best of all lifting their first ever French title in 2002.

Dynamic attack, steel defence

Despite his success at Lyon he never quite won over the fans, who in fact cried for his resignation even when the title was within reach.

He was not very popular with the media either but that didn't stop the French Federation naming him coach of France in July, 2002.

Almost immediately the media met the decision with scepticism but Santini was unflappable. "I am from the region of Franche-Comte (Eastern France), a place where the men are not easy. I like to keep my distance," he declared.

He also took no nonsense from his players introducing new youngsters and letting the players in form take their places in the team.

Some of the veterans were stunned into action by this new system and a raging battle for places gave the team extra enthusiasm to win.

Eighteen matches later, qualification for Euro 2004 was easily secured and Santini's record spoke volumes. 16 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat, 52 goals for, 8 conceded, the only defeat coming in a friendly against the Czech Republic.

One thing is certain, France will not relinquish their European crown without one almighty fight when the battle heats up in Portugal.