Emerse Faé faced questions about his future immediately after Ivory Coast crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the head coach made it clear that he does not fear dismissal.
Ivory Coast surrendered their title on Saturday after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Egypt in the quarter-finals in Agadir, Morocco.
The seven-time African champions once again proved decisive at a crucial stage, ending the Elephants’ hopes of repeating their historic triumph from 2024.
Faé, who masterminded that home-soil success last year, cut a disappointed but composed figure as he addressed the media.
The defeat placed his position under scrutiny, especially given the expectations that followed Ivory Coast’s recent continental dominance.
Despite that pressure, the coach dismissed any suggestion that uncertainty about his job weighed on his mind.
“Do I look like someone who’s afraid of being replaced?” Faé asked during the post-match press conference.
“If I have to lose my place, I’ll lose it. I’m not going to commit suicide, don’t worry. I’ll keep fighting and then we’ll look for a new project.
I’m not afraid of that. This situation forms part of a coach’s life. When you win, you stay. When you lose, you risk leaving.”
Ivory Coast entered the quarter-final with confidence but failed to control key moments against an experienced Egyptian side.
Egypt capitalised on defensive lapses, punished mistakes, and managed the game with composure when pressure mounted.
Ivory Coast pushed hard in attack but struggled to contain their opponents during decisive phases.
The elimination revived a familiar storyline for Faé. Egypt once again stood in his way, extending a personal run of defeats against the North African giants.
Before Saturday’s loss as a coach, Faé had already suffered three defeats to Egypt as a player, including painful encounters at the 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the setback, Faé continues to carry credit for guiding Ivory Coast to continental glory in 2024.
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup remains within reach, a factor that could strengthen his case to lead the team into the global tournament.
For now, the coach insists that he remains focused on work rather than speculation.
At 41, with his 42nd birthday approaching on January 24, Faé presented himself as a manager shaped by experience rather than fear.
He acknowledged disappointment, accepted the reality of elite football, and refused to dramatise defeat.
As Ivory Coast regroup after their AFCON exit, attention now turns to how the federation responds.
Faé, however, made his stance clear: he stands ready to continue, but he will also accept whatever decision follows.
