Snubbed Trezeguet focuses on Juve
David Trezeguet has revealed he is happy to dedicate his time to his club career after being snubbed again by France coach Raymond Domenech.
The Juventus striker may be the top scorer in Serie A this season with 15 goals, but he still failed to make it into an enlarged 36-man Les Bleus squad for Tuesday's 'A' international against DR Congo and a full international against Spain the following night.
The 30-year-old, who has close to a one-in-two strike-rate for his country, refuses to play for the 'A' team but is not considered good enough by Domenech to figure for the senior team, with Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema and Thierry Henry getting top billing.
Such an impasse means Trezeguet could miss out on this summer's European Championships, but the player is happy to plug away at club level in the hope of another France call-up.
"
Domenech sent me a text message asking me my position in terms of the France 'A' team - we didn't speak on the telephone," Trezeguet told French daily L'Equipe.
"
I replied to him in the same way, reminding him that I was still available for the senior team but not for France 'A'.
"
After three World Cups and two European Championships, I don't believe I have anything to prove with the 'A' team.
"
Looking at my situation at club level - we are currently third in the league - and looking at the fact I am the top scorer in Serie A, I prefer to devote my energy to Juventus rather than play a match against Congo that isn't going to teach us anything.
"
But I repeat, I will always be available for the senior team."
Trezeguet and Domenech have had a frosty relationship of late.
For much of last year, the France coach refused to pick the Juve man because he was playing in Serie B and did not believe the striker was playing at a high enough level to be considered for international selection.
Trezeguet, the only player who missed from the spot in the 2006 World Cup final penalty shootout won by Italy, was then overlooked for two Euro 2008 qualifying matches in October, despite his strong club displays in the Italian top flight.
He cannot understand this latest snub, adding: "
Contrary to what he (Domenech) said in the past, that he judges people on their club performances, he seems to choose players based on his system of play.
"
It's clear I don't figure among the three or four premier French strikers. From that, what I want to do now is finish the season well with my club, finish in the top four places in Serie A.
"Playing in Euro 2008? I am not so sure about that."
Domenech, however, has not closed the door on a possible Trezeguet return for Les Bleus for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
"I know David's qualities - someone doesn't become the top scorer in a league like Serie A for nothing," he said on Thursday.
"I understand for the moment his position, which is to not come and play for the 'A' team.
"He is free to make his own decisions, I don't want to force anyone. He is still available for the senior side and there remains four months until the definitive (Euro 2008) squad is announced in May."
Soccer365
----------------------------------------------
Up your ass, Domenech...