Philipe Troussier Resigns as CS Sfaxien Coach After Champions League Exit
French coach Philipe Troussier has officially resigned from his position at Club Sportif Sfaxien, just three months after taking charge. His departure comes in the wake of the club’s elimination in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League at the hands of AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Troussier explained the conditions surrounding his resignation, stating that a mutual agreement was in place with club president Lotfi Abdennadher when he signed his two-year contract in July.
“The club’s priority objective was to bring the Champions League cup back to Tunisia. From the moment we did not reach the final, each party reserved the right to invoke a clause allowing the termination of the collaboration,” said the former Morocco and Japan coach.
Troussier also criticized the home crowd’s reaction during the second leg of the semi-final, which saw Sfaxien concede a second goal to Vita Club.
“With more than thirty minutes left to play, a large part of our public turned against the team. It was surreal. I felt real hostility—not only towards me, but also towards the players and the management. I accept the status of culprit and take full responsibility for this defeat.”
Troussier’s brief stint with CS Sfaxien ends in disappointment, highlighting once again the high expectations placed on foreign coaches in African club football—particularly in continental competitions.
