Despite being in his first management position, 41-year-old Sabri Lamouchi can call on his almost two decade career as a player in his goal of leading Côte d’Ivoire to their second CAF Africa Cup of Nations title next month. The Elephants have reached the final match twice in the last four continental events, but the golden generation of players is in danger of failing to fulfil their great promise. The Frenchman spoke to FIFA.com about the talented team and his commitment to helping the side have a breakthrough at a big tournament.
What are your preparation plans for the Elephants in the run-up to the Cup of Nations?
Since winning the match in Austria on November 15th [3-0], I stayed in Europe to watch some games and meet with players, and I will continue to do so through the month of December. On January 5th, we will meet in Paris and fly to Abu Dhabi where the group trained ahead of the 2012 CAN. We will stay there until the 16th, and we have scheduled a friendly against Egypt on the 14th.
The final list of 23 players will be submitted ten days prior to the start of the CAN. How many players will you go to camp with?
Twenty-three! I am going with this option knowing very well that a player can get hurt. Of course, I have a list of alternates, who will be notified, but I prefer that they remain with their clubs, where they will be in full competition up until they are needed. In my mind, my group is just about set.
Didier Drogba was denied a special loan move this month after the end of the Chinese season, but before the transfer window. Would you have preferred a different outcome?
Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise. There are two ways to think about this issue: if he played somewhere before the CAN, it could have allowed him to regain the pace of competition, but then playing would up his risk of injury and possibly jeopardize his participation at the finals. Didier is a great professional, so I know he will be ready for the competition. He might have to get up to speed, but he is conscientious and is very careful about his fitness.