Renowned for his tactical prowess alongside Laurent Blanc, Jean Louis Gasset embarks on a formidable challenge as he guides Côte d’Ivoire in the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN). The seasoned French coach, often seen as the unsung hero behind Blanc’s coaching triumphs, now seeks to shape his own legacy by leading the Elephants to continental glory.
Gasset’s association with Blanc, the 1998 World Cup-winning defender, significantly contributed to Blanc’s managerial success in French Ligue 1.
Despite their separation after parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, Gasset found himself living in the shadows of Blanc, who has not enjoyed the same level of success post their partnership.
As the current head coach of Côte d’Ivoire, Gasset faces a pivotal moment in his coaching career.
At the age of 70, with a career spanning several clubs including Montpellier, Saint-Étienne, and Bordeaux, Gasset acknowledges the importance of his tenure with the Elephants.
In an interview with L’Equipe in 2021, he expressed his eagerness to return to coaching, stating, “A CAN would be a terrible thing to experience.”
Since his appointment in May 2022, Gasset has led Côte d’Ivoire in 14 matches, securing 9 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses.
This commendable record underlines Gasset’s commitment to his role, and it sets the stage for a potential transformation in his career trajectory.
A self-proclaimed admirer of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching methodology, Gasset draws inspiration from Liverpool’s success under Klopp’s leadership. Embracing Klopp’s philosophy, he sees football evolving and believes in continually adapting strategies to overcome challenges. Gasset emphasizes the importance of staying dynamic, stating, “The day you say to yourself ‘I know everything,’ it’s over.”
The Ivorian squad, captained by Gervinho, anticipates Gasset’s coaching prowess to mirror Klopp’s impactful approach. Players hope that he instills the same fighting spirit and motivation that characterized Klopp’s Liverpool.
Former player Wahbi Khazri, who played under Gasset at Saint-Étienne, describes him as a motivator with a unique ability to inspire commitment.
“He’s a gentleman! His human and coaching qualities make him great. We all want to get high for him. He knows how to motivate, he makes you want to fight,” Khazri remarked.
As Jean Louis Gasset leads Côte d’Ivoire into the CAN 2023, football enthusiasts await to witness if he can carve out a legacy independent of his esteemed partnership with Laurent Blanc.
The Elephants, under his guidance, aim to sparkle on the African stage and etch a new chapter in Gasset’s coaching journey.
