Guinea Players Back Luis Fernandez Amid Mixed Reactions to Appointment
While former Guinean football star Titi Camara has voiced his opposition to the appointment of Luis Fernandez as head coach of the Syli National, current players within the squad are expressing a more optimistic outlook. Several team members have spoken publicly in support of the Frenchman, highlighting his experience and potential to elevate Guinean football.
Kamil Zayatte, captain of the national team, welcomed Fernandez’s arrival following the departure of former coach Michel Dussuyer.
“It’s good news for the national team and for fans of Guinean football to have someone of this calibre at the helm,” Zayatte told Guinean outlet Foot224. “After Michel, it’s important to keep moving forward with a coach who brings international experience.”
Luis Fernandez, who previously coached Paris Saint-Germain and the Israeli national team, has a storied résumé that includes working with high-profile players and managing in top-tier competitions. His appointment, however, has not been universally embraced in Guinea. Titi Camara, a former national team coach and one of the country’s most iconic players, has openly criticized the decision, suggesting Fernandez may not be the right fit for the job.
But within the squad, there’s a more measured and hopeful tone. Midfielder Ibrahima Conté also spoke positively about the appointment, noting Fernandez’s pedigree and experience with elite-level players.
“He’s a great coach who managed a club like PSG and worked with some of the best players,” said Conté. “I think he’s going to enjoy working with us.”
Still, Conté acknowledged that Fernandez’s early days with the team could pose some challenges.
“The beginning might be a little difficult because he doesn’t know all the players,” he added. “But if we give him some time, I believe he’ll achieve a lot.”
The Guinea Football Federation hopes Fernandez can build on the foundations laid by Dussuyer, who led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The appointment signals a desire to bring in international expertise, and the support from key players suggests Fernandez will be given a fair chance to stamp his authority on the squad.
As preparations begin for upcoming qualifiers and competitions, all eyes will be on how the Frenchman adapts to his new role—and how quickly he can turn promise into performance.
