Nabil Maaloul, the coach of Esperance Tunis, shared his thoughts in an interview with Radio France Internationale, discussing the club’s chances ahead of the final return of the CAF Champions League. Here are the key points from the interview:
- Club’s Workforce and Public Mobilization:
- Maaloul discussed the club’s workforce and emphasized the importance of public support.
- Expressed a wish for a full stadium with 60,000 spectators, but acknowledged the challenges related to security in Tunisia.
- Noted the authorities allowing 31,000 spectators, with an expectation of around 40,000, which he believes will be positive for Esperance.
- Player Absences:
- Mentioned two key absences due to suspension: Sameh Derbali (right full-back) and Harrison Afful (right midfielder).
- Highlighted the injury to Youssef Msakni, who underwent appendicitis surgery and is not expected to be operational for the match.
- Opponent’s Plans:
- Anticipated the opponent’s strategy, suggesting they may try to counter Esperance in the first half and then attack aggressively in the second half, as seen in a previous match.
- Player Pressure:
- Expressed a desire for the players to stay under pressure, believing it brings out their maximum effort.
- Stated that he doesn’t want the players to feel they are favorites, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset.
Maaloul’s insights provide a glimpse into the preparations, challenges, and expectations surrounding Esperance Tunis as they approach a crucial match in the CAF Champions League. The coach’s focus on public support, player pressure, and strategic considerations reflects the multifaceted nature of coaching at a high level of football competition.
