Emerse Faé spoke with deep emotion as he reflected on the death of Jean-Louis Gasset, a man who shaped both his coaching journey and the recent revival of Ivorian football, while Ivory Coast continue their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The current Elephants coach addressed the loss while fully immersed in the pressures of a continental tournament, yet his words carried clarity and sincerity.
Faé described Gasset not only as a respected tactician but, above all, as a man of rare humanity whose influence extended far beyond the training ground.
“Jean-Louis Gasset was a very good person, kind, and always concerned with calming situations,” Faé said, speaking openly about the emotional weight of the news.
His voice reflected the bond they shared during their time working together with the national team.
The announcement of Gasset’s passing came as a shock to the Ivorian camp. Faé admitted that disbelief dominated his first reaction. “It was shocking. We struggled to accept it.
I personally needed confirmation from several people before I could process the news,” he explained, underlining how sudden and painful the loss felt.
Gasset played a decisive role in Faé’s development as a coach. After serving as his assistant, Faé later succeeded him as head coach of Ivory Coast, continuing a project that eventually delivered continental success.
Faé acknowledged that this progression did not happen by chance. He credited Gasset for constant guidance, honest advice, and unwavering trust.
“He helped me enormously in my coaching career. He gave me so much advice,” Faé said, pointing to a relationship built on mentorship and respect rather than hierarchy.
According to Faé, Gasset believed deeply in empowering those around him, a quality that left a lasting mark on the Ivorian technical staff.
Beyond tactics and results, Faé chose to highlight the human qualities that defined Gasset’s legacy.
He spoke about a man who brought energy, positivity, and reassurance during difficult moments, both on and off the pitch.
“It is his energy and his smile that we will always remember,” Faé concluded, delivering a message that resonated across the football community.
The tribute, shared through the official channels of the Ivorian Football Federation, echoed the sentiments of many who worked with Gasset during his long career.
As Ivory Coast continue their AFCON 2025 journey, the memory of Jean-Louis Gasset remains present within the squad, serving as a source of inspiration and unity during a demanding tournament.
