Another Interview with Sol Bamba

[enex]

This time about the Ivory Coast

http://www.afrik.com/article22872.html

Against Benin, this weekend, Côte d'Ivoire has a chance to take a big step towards qualification to the CAN 2012. But Souleymane Bamba, defender of Leicester and Elephants, remains on his guard as he told Afrik football with his usual smile.

Afrik football: Souleymane, almost a year after the World Cup, is it still dominates the disappointment?

Souleymane Bamba: Frankly, at this World Cup, it's obvious that we needed to pass. Everyone agrees that we could have done more against Portugal (0-0). But it was still a difficult group (Portugal, Brazil, North Korea, Ed). Do not have regrets. In the end, it was a good World Cup. Especially compared to the CAN 2010. Here, we are completely missed.

Since Zahoui Francis arrived at the head of the Elephants, unless you play ...

(Cut it) But it was true before. I hold to the CAN and also in the friendly matches before the African Cup and World Cup. But the arrival of Sven Goran Eriksson has changed things. This is not the fault of Zahoui. With Vahid Halilhodzic, it was the same. In a career, there are ups and downs. Obviously I'm disappointed not to play. Everyone wants to hold, more importantly in the national team. But the day you need me, I answered this.

But Steve Gohouri, for example, is not better than you. Far from it.

It is you who called. Steve has a lot of experience. In defense, it is important. And even the national team. It is not for me to say who is better or not. Zahoui Francis makes his choices, he decides.

How are things going there with the coach?

His message gets through. There is no problem. It was always difficult in a team like ours, where it has so many personalities and stars. But he did a good job. He, like us, is judged on results. If they are good, so good. Otherwise ... But it is the man for the job.

What the last two coaches, Eriksson and Zahoui are they different?

All coaches are different. Eriksson, is experience. With Benfica, Manchester City, England, Lazio ... He has coached some very big teams. Zahoui is more an educator. He has trained thousands of coaches. It feels like in his speech. But as I said, the message gets through.

Let's talk about the African Cup of Nations 2012. It's pretty good party, right?

Yes, definitely. With three wins from three matches, one can say. But do we sleep on these good results. These victories are good for us players, but also the entire Cote d'Ivoire, especially with the current situation.

Exactly how did you experience the problems?

It's hard being away. I still have family there. It is not obvious to see our people suffer like this. After it is difficult to judge. Our role, footballers is to help as best we can. Football has a political dimension. Our good results bring joy. We recognize our responsibility. But it remains only football.

Back to football. It's not too hard to play games relocated as the match against Benin in Accra?

At home, outside, Côte d'Ivoire has an obligation of result. It is with the means at hand. In Ghana, against Benin (2-1), it went well. But we suffered much. We played very badly.

And it's Didier Drogba who saved you. Did not you feel a little too dependent on him?

But it is our captain. And our goal scorer. But no, I do not think we are too dependent on him. We look to him is our leader. And he often pulls us difficulties. But Ivory Coast has so many great players ...

Did you feel that the golden generation has missed out on something?

Maybe. But it remains a good group. Even in 2014, when they are 34, 35 or 36 years, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Didier Zokora, Didier Drogba ... will always be key players. They have such a state of mind: they are examples for us. But before 2014, there are still CAN.

Precisely, what is the purpose of Côte d'Ivoire in 2012?

But as in 2010! We want to win. Côte d'Ivoire to a statute, we assume. In Angola, we were missed. For us to catch up. We continue to work, listening to the coach ... It takes all in the same direction. But it is useless to shout from the rooftops: it was on the ground that counts.

How do you deal with the return match against Benin?

With the sequence of meetings and travel from Europe to Africa, how to make it long. Especially at the end of the season. But one must suffer to succeed. On the way (2-1), we came across a very good Benin. They will need the three points. I am confident.

[jonthefox]

This time about the Ivory Coast

http://www.afrik.com/article22872.html

Defender of elephants ?.

[Narborough_fox]

Defender of elephants ?.

Ivory Coast's nickname, like ours is Foxes.

[jonthefox]

Ivory Coast's nickname, like ours is Foxes.

never knew that.