ACTUALITE |
18.02.2003
Troussier `interested` in Nigeria return
Japan`s World Cup manager Phillipe Troussier told BBC Sport that he would `seriously consider` managing the Nigerian national team for a second time.
The Frenchman successfully piloted the Super Eagles through the African qualification series for the 1998 World Cup finals but was sacked in mysterious circumstances.
Since leaving Nigeria five years ago, Troussier led Japan`s Under-20 side to the finals of the 1999 World Youth Championships.
He also led the senior team to the Asian Nations Cup title in 2000.
Before his move to Asia, he had managed the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and South Africa.
"If Nigeria are interested in having me back, I will be very interested in the possibility," said Troussier from his Paris home.
"I think after my achievements since leaving Nigeria, I have proved that I am a world class coach.
"I had a bad experience while I was there last time but I believe I have earned the right to be treated with more respect," he said.
However, he would only be keen on a contract that is geared towards a specific objective.
"Right now, I believe that the African Nations Cup in Tunisia is Nigeria`s main target.
"Managing them at that tournament would be a good prospect because after all my years of working in Africa, I have not won an African title.
"With Nigeria, there is a chance of my achieving this.
"Besides, I think having long term contracts in Africa can be quite problematic when you have administrators trying to interfere with your job," he said.
After leading Japan to the second round at the 2002 World Cup, Troussier is recovering from a knee operation he had last year.
|
|
Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
|
|
|
|
| |