Sabri Lamouchi, the coach of Ivory Coast, expressed his disappointment and reflected on the team’s performance after their elimination in the quarter-finals of the CAN against Nigeria. Here are some key points from his statements:
- Missed Goal: The primary goal for Ivory Coast in the CAN 2013 was to win the tournament. Lamouchi acknowledges the enormity of the disappointment, especially considering that some players may have viewed it as a last chance.
- Personal Reflection: Lamouchi, as the coach, shared his own disappointment, emphasizing that it was his first CAN and that the objective was to secure victory. Despite the setback, he doesn’t contemplate resigning and believes in the work he has done.
- Job Satisfaction: Lamouchi expresses pride in the efforts of his players and the work they put in during the tournament. He acknowledges the challenging nature of football, where losses are part of the profession.
- Team Selection: Lamouchi defends his choice of fielding the team he believed would pose problems for Nigeria. He maintains that the team selection was made with the intention of causing difficulties for the opponent.
- Future Analysis: While disappointed with the result, Lamouchi indicates that there will be time for a thorough analysis of the team’s choices and performance.
Overall, Lamouchi acknowledges the disappointment but remains steadfast in his commitment to the job and the belief that the team gave their best effort during the tournament.