Emerse Fae reveals long-term vision for Ivorian football after leaving Ivory Coast role

Former Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has opened up on the ambitious long-term project he hoped to implement before departing his role, revealing that his vision extended well beyond leading the Elephants to success on the pitch.

Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, Fae said he had already begun planning for the 2030 FIFA World Cup after being appointed permanently following Ivory Coast’s triumphant 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

The 41-year-old explained that his objective was not solely focused on results with the senior national team but on establishing sustainable structures that would strengthen Ivorian football for years to come.

“Yes, I was already projecting toward the 2030 World Cup. When I signed on permanently after the AFCON, I had a project focused on developing Ivorian football, beyond just results,” Fae said.

“I didn’t want to stop at the senior team.”

Fae revealed that his technical team had introduced several groundbreaking initiatives during his tenure, including a dedicated training programme for physical trainers—something he described as a first for Ivorian football.

“We had this in place, for the first time in Ivory Coast, designed for physical preparators. The trainees appreciated it, and I also took part in the training days,” he explained.

The former midfielder also disclosed that his coaching staff had started laying the foundation for a specialised development programme for promising young goalkeepers.

“With my staff and the goalkeeping coach, we had also begun to put in place training for young goalkeepers with potential, who needed specific work,” he added.

In another innovation, Fae introduced the services of a nutritionist to the national team setup, underscoring his commitment to modernising the country’s football infrastructure.

“This was also the first time we had a nutritionist,” he said.

Fae’s comments provide fresh insight into the broader vision he had for the Elephants before his departure, highlighting a strategy aimed at improving coaching standards, player development and sports science rather than concentrating solely on short-term success.

The former France youth international will, however, be best remembered for masterminding one of the greatest turnarounds in AFCON history. After taking charge during the tournament on an interim basis following the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset, Fae guided Ivory Coast from the brink of elimination to lifting the 2023 AFCON title on home soil.

The remarkable triumph earned him the permanent coaching position and cemented his place in Ivorian football history, with many supporters crediting him for restoring belief and delivering the nation’s third continental crown.

Although his time in charge has come to an end, Fae’s latest remarks suggest his ambitions for Ivory Coast extended far beyond winning trophies, with a strong emphasis on building a lasting football legacy through youth development, coaching education and improved player welfare.