Returning to the helm of an African team since his departure from Gabon following the Africa Cup of Nations, French coach Gernot Rohr is eager to make an impact with the Niger national team, known as the Mena. In an interview with France Football, Rohr expressed his intention not to overhaul everything but to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessors. Despite signing a two-year contract, he wasted no time in familiarizing himself with the team.
“I visited the local players during their training sessions and met the technical staff, particularly Frédéric Acosta, who had been in charge in recent months. He constructed the current squad and managed the team in June after the departure of Rolland Courbis,” Rohr shared.
Arriving in the midst of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 qualifiers, Rohr plans to observe his team in action for the first time and initiate substantive work after the initial match against Guinea. “With Jacky Bonnevay, who will be my assistant, we decided that the current management would handle their duties for the first leg of the CAN 2013 qualifiers this weekend in Conakry against Guinea. We will naturally provide support. Currently, we are observing, and we have already interacted with the players. However, we are keeping a low profile during the training sessions.”
Choosing to continue his coaching career with another African team, Rohr explained that he had multiple offers but was drawn to a national selection. “I genuinely wanted to continue working on the continent, preferably with a national team because I find such work suits me well. I had other opportunities, but I didn’t pursue them. Niger caught my attention, especially considering their performance in the last CAN—a team without stars. It’s very gratifying that Niger thought of me,” he justified.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Rohr is aware of the Mena’s winless streak and emphasized the importance of the project. “The Mena haven’t won in eight matches. We have a significant task ahead of us: identifying young local talent, addressing the lack of attackers, and nurturing potential on site. Guinea, understandably, is the clear favorite. However, we should not be underestimated at home. Especially if we manage to keep our chances alive for the return match in October,” he concluded.
