In club, Alain Roche can boast of having an impressive track record. Sacred champion of France with three different clubs (1987, 1990 and 1994), winner of the Coupes Cup (1996) and the French Cup of France, the former central defender did not benefit from the same success in national selection.
It was however well started with a title of European Champion Hopes in 1988. With the French team A, he will never have a convincing success despite his 25 selections spaced over eight years. The native of Brive-la-Gaillarde even experienced one of the darkest periods in the history of French football.
Indeed, Alain Roche held during the infamous France-Bulgaria of November 17, 1993, at the Parc des Princes. On the goal of Emil Kostadinov who crucifies the Blues in the last moments of the meeting, his responsibility is also engaged. “We were six against two or three Bulgarians. We are much more responsible than David Ginola, ”he reacted at the time, While coach Gérard Houllier wanted to make the latter a scapegoat for the non-qualification of the World 94.
Alain Roche, France 98 is his immense regret
Alain Roche will still participate in the reconstruction of the Tricolore group, in particular by participating in Euro 96. He also holds this year, for the semi-final against the Czech Republic. Aimé Jacquet will never summon him after this match.
“My biggest regret is not to have been able to play the 98 World Cup, He confided to Top Girondins, in a live Instagram. I was frustrated, but I understood very well the choice of the coach Aimé Jacquet. It was he who had released me in Bordeaux to get started, the relationship was fused. So, I respected his choice without problem. »»
