I think one should be worried!
Even if in Germany the gov would change in 2009, I can't see a chancellor Beck or Steinmeier being much more friendly to Sarkozy than Merkel, when one remembers, that Merkel and Sarkozy are from the same political direction and Merkel has a tendency to be rather patient with machos. Issues like better Eurozone gouvernance can only be addressed if there is some trust and respect for each other, even when people differ on issues.
Sarkozy is not yet a year in office, so more than 4 years more to come, so it will really be a hard time for Europe if Sarkozy does not change his behaviour or steps back voluntarily.
There is no other European motor than the Franco-German one. Better relations with UK, fine but that will neither deepen the EU, nor can Euro issues be addressed. Italy has such an unstable gov and the chances for a return of the political clown Berlusconi are not too bad. Other EU subgroups with Germany would probably lead to conflicts between the club med and the northern countries, which Sarkozy already has started with his mediteran union idea. So no convincing alternative for an functioning Franco-German relationship.

Der Amerikaner ist die Orchidee unter den Menschen
Volker Pispers