Domenech confident Henry's best is yet to come

VIENNA (AFP) — France coach Raymond Domenech insisted Thursday that he has no worries about Thierry Henry's form, insisting that the Barcelona's striker has yet to reach his peak.

"If you want to see the real Thierry Henry, buy the DVD of Euro 2008," quipped Domenech, attending a seminar for coaches here.

Henry himself has been irritated that his performance at Barcelona is being compared to his time at Arsenal, insisting they are not comparable since he has been assigned a different role on the pitch at the Spanish side.

"If people want to see the old Henry, you have to buy Arsenal's DVD," the player said on Wednesday.

While Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger chose to use the 30-year-old as a striker, Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has deployed him on the right and left wing.

"I spent eight years at a club in a certain position and now I'm at another club, playing in another position in another tactical scheme. Stop comparing Barcelona's Henry with Arsenal's Henry," he said.

And Domenech insisted that he for one has full confidence in Henry.

"I would prefer that he is not as good now as in June," said Domenech.

"The Euro is in two-three months it (Henry's current form) doesn't mean anything to me.

"We're here to prepare for the Euro and the players for their part are preparing the match against England (friendly on March 26)."

Domenech remained tight-lipped however on his final selection.

"I'll give it but as I've already said for the moment I don't know when," he said, adding that they would begin to decide on the final squad after the French Cup semi-finals from May 7.

Meanwhile the French coach revealed his fury that the French Cup final would be taking place on May 24 to satisfy television executives with Euro 2008 kicking off on June 7.

"It's stupid ... I can't find the words to explain it. It prevents us having this recuperation week to allow us to prepare, it puts us in a difficult situation," he said.

"I only hope that in this French Cup final there won't be any players who are likely to be called up."