Smerecki proud of French U17 work

Past champions
Four past champions are in the finals from 4-16 May in the resort of Antalya, and other than the hosts, all are in France's Group B with Spain and Switzerland providing mean opposition along with the Republic of Ireland. France reached the semi-finals last season, losing to England, but the new generation under Smerecki knocked that nation out in the Elite round along with 2006 champions Russia and home side Israel. "We have been working towards this tournament for two years," Smerecki told uefa.com. "We played in several tournaments last season, like the highly-regarded Montaigu and Val-de-Marne events. During those competitions, we used to train twice between games. To clinch a finals spot is a real achievement for us."

Santisteban praise
Ireland are first up for France in the televised official opening game at the Mardan Sports Complex, and Smerecki knows his team will be under pressure from the start. "They are a team who have got good results," said Smerecki, whose side have met their second opponents twice, drawing 1-1 and winning 4-1. "Switzerland are a team we have struggled to defeat. I did not investigate all [Spain's] results but their coach [Juan Santisteban] is an important factor. He has a sharp vision of youth football. And there is also a fotball culture in his country. We talk a lot about England these days but with a different method of playing football, Spain also achieve great things."

Potential
The 2004 side that triumphed on home soil contained the likes of Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema, and Smerecki believes his squad contains some future stars. "Two or three players who will be very good professionals, should rabbits not eat them! But on a scale from nought to ten, those players are only at two or three. The main trap for them is to believe that the goal is reached. They must still be wise and patient to become professional."

Settled squads
Of his rising prospects, Chelsea FC's Gaël Kakuta, Arsenal FC striker Gilles Sunu and Loïc Damour of RC Strasbourg already train with their senior squads, but Smerecki is now putting the finishing touches to their preparations. "April is the month where leagues finish and many players are tired," the former EA Guingamp coach said. "I intend to call up the squad which qualified. We have worked for two years towards this tournament, there is no need to change."