Eric Chelle in contention for Guinea’s head coach role
Eric Chelle has emerged as a strong candidate to take over as head coach of Guinea’s national football team, Syli National, following the anticipated departure of interim coach Charles Paquille.
Paquille, who stepped into the role after Kaba Diawara’s dismissal earlier this summer, appears set to exit his interim position ahead of Guinea’s next international fixtures.
According to Sport News Africa, Paquille is unlikely to continue leading the team, though he may remain on staff as an assistant coach.
The decision to move on from Paquille comes after a challenging start to Guinea’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The Syli National suffered back-to-back defeats, losing 1-0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo and 2-1 against Tanzania.
These results have put pressure on Guinea’s football federation to seek fresh leadership as the team looks to improve its prospects in the qualifiers.
Paquille’s tenure as interim coach was always intended to be short-term, but the recent string of disappointing performances has accelerated the search for a new permanent head coach.
According to Foot224, former Mali head coach Eric Chelle has expressed his interest in taking charge of the Guinean national team.
Chelle, who was dismissed from his role with Mali in June, would see the Guinea position as an opportunity to rebuild his coaching career.
Despite his sudden departure, Chelle had led Mali to the quarter-finals of the previous AFCON, where his team was narrowly defeated by Côte d’Ivoire, who went on to win the tournament.
Chelle’s experience at the continental level and his familiarity with African football make him a viable contender for the Guinea job.
However, it remains to be seen if the Guinean Football Federation will reciprocate his interest.
While Chelle is keen on the role, the Guinean federation appears to have multiple options on the table.
Sport News Africa reports that Michel Dussuyer, a former Guinea coach, could also make a return to the helm.
Dussuyer, who currently heads the transitional technical board overseeing Syli National’s management, is being considered for a more permanent role, with Paquille potentially serving as his assistant.
In addition to Chelle and Dussuyer, the federation is reportedly evaluating other candidates, both local and international, though no further names have been disclosed.
As Guinea looks to regain its footing in the AFCON qualifiers, the decision on the next head coach will be crucial for the team’s future success.
The next few weeks will likely determine who will lead the Syli National in their bid to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Éric Sékou Chelle est intéressé par le projet de la Guinée selon @sylinational_FR.
Le technicien malien est ouvert à l’idée de prendre la tête de la sélection guinéenne.#FOOT224 pic.twitter.com/Zh44eq6KAT
— F⚽⚽T224.COM (@FOOT_224) September 12, 2024
