Cote d'Ivoire coach Emerse Fae: 'The defending champion always has extra pressure'

As the countdown begins for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the reigning champions, Côte d'Ivoire, are gearing up to defend their title with Saturday being exactly one year before the tournament kicks off in the North African country.

Under the astute leadership of Emerse Faé, the Elephants are determined to replicate their success from the last edition and maintain their status as African football giants.

Recently crowned as the Best Men's Football Coach at the 2024 CAF Awards, Faé carries the weight of immense expectations as the team looks to add another AFCON trophy to their illustrious history.

This TotalEnergies CAF AFCON promises to be a showcase of Côte d'Ivoire’s ambition and resilience as they aim to cement their legacy in African football. 

For Faé, the challenge is as exhilarating as the opportunity to lead his nation to another historic triumph.

In this exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, Faé shares his insights into the preparations, challenges, and aspirations as Côte d'Ivoire embarks on this exciting journey.

CAFonline.com: How are you preparing as Côte d'Ivoire’s coach to tackle a competition as significant as AFCON 2025?

Emerse Faé: We’re a year away, and many details are still unclear. We don’t yet know the groups or the city where we’ll be based. Until then, these things remain in the back of our minds. Once the draw is made on January 27, we can start planning concretely—choosing accommodation, finding the best training facilities, and ensuring minimal travel distances between them.

As the competition draws closer, we will also streamline the player selection process to ensure we have a focused and cohesive squad.

CAFonline.com: As defending champions, does this add extra pressure to your preparations?

Faé: Absolutely, but there’s always pressure when you represent a football powerhouse like Côte d'Ivoire. The expectations from fans are immense, and winning is always the ultimate goal. Being the defending champion adds a layer of responsibility, but it doesn’t fundamentally change our approach. We demand a lot from ourselves, whether we hold the title or not.

CAFonline.com: What are Côte d'Ivoire’s main objectives for AFCON 2025, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Faé: The main objective is clear—to retain our title. To do that, we need a versatile squad capable of adapting to different systems and opponents. Our aim is to remain competitive and intimidating, regardless of lineup changes.

CAFonline.com: What lessons from the previous AFCON will guide your strategy this time?

Faé: The biggest takeaway was the importance of mindset. After an unexpected loss to Equatorial Guinea, we regrouped with a “commando” mentality, a term often used by our federation president, Yacine Idriss Diallo. This unity and resilience propelled us to victory, and it’s a lesson we carry forward.

CAFonline.com: How will Morocco’s hosting of the tournament impact your team?

Faé: Morocco’s atmosphere and conditions will differ from playing at home. The passionate support we had in Côte d'Ivoire was invaluable, but we’re optimistic about the large Ivorian community in Morocco, particularly in Casablanca, which could give us a similar boost.

CAFonline.com: How do you plan to integrate players from CHAN into your AFCON squad?

Faé: Our philosophy is simple: if you’re Ivorian and have the talent, you’re eligible. It doesn’t matter where you play. We’ve identified a pool of players who can strengthen the team, and CHAN coach Romaric N'dri plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between local and international players.

CAFonline.com: Mental preparation seems to be a key focus. Why is it so critical?

Faé: In today’s world of social media, external pressures can weigh heavily on players. Mental strength is essential, both on and off the pitch. When players feel supported and valued, they perform at their best.

CAFonline.com: Which teams do you see as your toughest competitors?

Faé: Morocco, as hosts, will be formidable with their resources and talent. Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria also have exceptional squads. This AFCON will be highly competitive, with many teams capable of winning.

CAFonline.com: What personal experiences from your playing career do you share with your players to inspire them?

Faé: I remind them of Côte d'Ivoire’s golden generation—how talent alone isn’t enough. Success demands sacrifice, unity, and a winning mentality. These values are non-negotiable if we want to achieve our goals.

CAFonline.com: How would you describe your relationship with the federation?

Faé: We’re fortunate to have a supportive president in Yacine Idriss Diallo, who respects our autonomy in making sporting decisions. The working conditions are excellent, and the federation’s blend of experience and innovation is a tremendous asset.