Le Roy: Togo's potential is still there
Claude Le Roy has been in charge of more teams at the finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations than any other coach. The Frenchman has coached five different countries in eight final tournaments, but he faces a tough battle if he wants to add another appearance to his already impressive CV next year in Gabon.
With just two matches to go in the group stage,
The veteran coach took over after previous boss Tom Saintfiet and the Togolese FA agreed to part ways. Despite being so well-traveled in Africa, the former Cameroon, Senegal, Congo, DR Congo and Ghana manager did not hesitate to lead the Togolese.
“I felt they wanted me," Le Roy explained. "I accepted because Togo is not a small country in African football. The country has participated in several Africa Cup of Nations finals and the World Cup in 2006. And there are very good players like [Alaixys] Romao, [Emmanuel] Adebayor, [Kossi] Agassa, the Ayite brothers [Jonathan and Floyd], [Serge] Gakpe and [Serge] Akakpo. So the potential is there.”
Le Roy said that since his appointment, he had spent some time meeting the players, including Adebayor, who had been scrapped from the team by Sainfliet. “I went to see him in London," he said. "We had lunch together. At one time he was one of the best strikers in the world.
"We need him, and I know he is very committed to his country and to his selection. During our discussion, I told him that I was counting on him that he was very important for the team, but there would be no favoritism. I explained how I work. And he agreed to come back.”
“I have a special relationship with Africa," Le Roy said. "I remember that in Cameroon, we went on tour across the country to play friendly matches against local teams. Wherever I worked, I kept very good memories and made enduring friendships. I have always lived in the countries that I have coached. I do not see my job otherwise. A coach must know the country and its culture. And they need to scout throughout the country, to find players that can be integrated into the national team.”
Le Roy, who is known to place great importance on issues such as proper transportation and accommodation facilities for players, on the quality of equipment and to medical care, believes that there are things that Africa could and should improve. “If there was more professionalism, players would not feel the need to leave,” he explained.
The Frenchman, who resigned as Congo coach in November, after leading
"I studied all the proposals, but I wanted to start in mid-April. I was tempted by some, but they were slow to materialise. In the end I took the Togo offer. I believe that if things should be done, they will be done.”