French goalie has blueprint to stop Mutu

By Jerome Pugmire

Bussigny, Switzerland

June 8: If France coach Raymond Domenech needs further information on Euro 08 opponents Romania, maybe he should ask backup goalkeeper Sebastien Frey. Although Frey is in reserve, he has a crucial part to play in helping France stop striker Adrian Mutu in Monday’s Group C match in Zurich.

Frey played with Mutu at Fiorentina last season, giving him a chance to observe the striker closely. Now he plans to pass on all he’s learned to No. 1 goalkeeper Gregory Coupet. "Mutu is a very good striker, I know his qualities," Frey said. "I will speak to Coupet and give some tips, give some information on Mutu."

Mutu scored 17 league goals in Serie A this season, plus several more as the Viola made it to the Uefa Cup semifinals. On the back of such a strong season, the striker heads into Euro 2008 brimming with confidence.

"He told me who wanted to make an impression at the Euro," Frey said. "So I think he will be very, very motivated." What makes Mutu special is also his weakness, according to Frey. As brilliant as Mutu sometimes is, his temperament can let him down when things go against him.

"Mutu is a player who is technically very, very good. He can make the difference up front on his own," Frey said. "But like all great strikers he is very selfish. If we manage to stop him, we take a lot of Romania’s strength."

Frey instructs France’s defenders to cut off all avenues for Mutu and leave him isolated and frustrated in attack. "If we manage to stop him playing, he can get annoyed and then becomes very predictable," Frey said. "So that can be an important advantage for us."

Meanwhile, Frey also has valuable knowledge on Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu. "Chivu is a very good passer and he can cause you trouble with his free kicks. His delivery is very good," said Frey, who has faced Chivu in Serie A. — AP