Lemerre Chooses His 23

No Belaid huh? Thats disappointing.

Rami, I once again find Lemerre’s choices beyond absurd! I guess if, God forbid, something happens to Ben Frej, the team would be up the creek without a paddle! I am truly amazed our football federation have given him a free hand to make a mockery of us in Ghana. his team is going to be defending, not aggressively fighting for success. Lemerre seems to keep our expectations very low, and in his mind, we probably should not aim higher. It’s quite sad they we pay him big bucks to make those poor choices. Whatever happened to his so-called assistant coach? Is he in the dog house for appearing to criticize Lemerre? This guy is truly a dictator; they should have shown him the door and put a Tunisian at the helm. We have the talents, we just need someone to make use of them. I cannot wait for the day to say “good riddance” to Lemerre.

Maaloul, the assitant coach seems just as useless as Lemerre unfortunately. At least he answers questions though! None of that no comment crap that infuriates fans, journalists, and players alike. It seems that Lemerre’s opinion of us is not very high. He’s convinced that we’re a team that can only achieve by being timid and lucky ie. relying on counter attacks against teams that he deems better than us. Even if he thinks that though, our players are a proud bunch and they won’t lie down for anybody. Out of the 23 there’s definitely an eleven that can go out there and make us proud in spite of Lemerre.

Even if he takes us to the final, the time has come for him to leave. Actually the time came and went. We should have gotten rid of him after the African cup in Egypt. Then maybe I wouldn’t think back to Germany and wonder how we didn’t get out of a group that had Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Spain in it. That kind of draw doesn’t happen very often. Ah, Rabbi yoster. For now all we can do is support our team and our country.

The list just isn’t the same without Boumnijel…

Hey I agree that Lemerre has no confidence in the team. Hence he is not even trying to pose a real attacking threat.

By the way, I think its a good idea to analyze the squad we had in 2004 that won the cup. Can anyone get us a breakdown of the players so we can analyze what kind of players we had. We can see if the selection mindset was different. maybe ill find the list and we can anazlyze how our approach was in 2004.

Rami ehat did I say about the too defensive midfield, I wrote about it in you last article “Chikhaoui lifts Carthage eagles over Zambia rematch”: “OUR TEAM IS TO DEFENSIVE. We need at least two attacking midfielders on the middle of the pith that we don’t have, and two hungry wingers. Yesterday I couldn’t see which of our players that were left/right wingers. Nafti is a good playmaker and he is defensive with Mnari and Chaker Zouaghi, WE HAVE ONLY GOT DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS but we need players that can attack with more strenght forward in the midfield, ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS, like we had Ben Achour before with a support from Bouazizi (hungry)for example!!!. We lost Belaid, but Ben Saada didn’t perform good yesterday either!”

Please don’t get me started on benachour

2004 squead, comparing the two, what are the main differences? More talent, different mindset, differesnt style?

GK: 1-Ali Boumnijel (Rouen, France), 16-Khaled Fadhel (CS Sfaxien),
22-Khaled Azeiz (Club Africain);
DF: 2-Khaled Badra (Esperance), 3-Karim Hagui (Etoile Sahel),
4-Alaeddine Yahia (En Avant Guingamp, France), 6-Hatem Trabelsi
(Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), 15-Radhi Jaidi (Esperance), 19-Anis
Ayari (Esperance), 20-Jose Clayton (Esperance), 21-Karim Saidi
(Club Africain);
MF: 8-Mehdi Nafti (Racing Santander, Spain), 10-Kais Ghodhbane
(Diyarbakirspor, Turkey), 12-Jawhar Mnari (Esperance), 13-Riadh
Bouazizi (Gaziantepspor, Turkey), 14-Adel Chadli (Sochaux, France),
18-Slim Ben Achour (Paris St Germain, France);
FW: 5-Zied Jaziri (Gaziantepspor, Turkey), 7-Imed Mhadhebi (Etoile
Sahel), 9-Najeh Braham (Eintracht Trier, Germany), 11-Francileudo
dos Santos (Sochaux, France), 17-Mohamed Jedidi (Etoile Sahel).

[...] Lemerre chooses his 23 (Tunisia Blog) [...]

Lol i mean like we had before i mean a player like him….not him as a person in the squad. Beside that my cousin is Adel Cehdli….

TFOEEEEEE Iff they where man , they should have boycot this trip to CAN2008. But everyone shut up and leave lemerre doing what he is doing. Nabil Maloul no balls.
I feel real sad voor the guys on their top JAZIRI,BENACHOUR.

But AKROUT missed his big chance for expiriment with Equipe National

thats it…were not going to get past the 1st round…oh ma goddddd…tijani is gooooooooooood……god help up with senegal!!!!!!!

Do you guys know when we play Iran? For some reason It’s not in the fifa.com site…

Hey Nabil. The FIFA site isn’t so reliable sometimes. They don’t update it as much as you would think. We play Iran on Wednesday the 16 the January. It’s a very intriguing matchup and its the first time in our history that we face them. Hopefully we get good support from the fans in our last game before we leave for Ghana. I don’t care if we all dislike Lemerre, I’m sick of the whistling and the cheering for the opposing team.

Iman, I think if they decided Tijani could not go it must have had to do with his state of mind and the fact that the investigation regarding the accident is still not finished. I wanted him there too but he didn’t participate in the physical preparation part (which is what they were doing all of last week) and would have had a lot of catching up to do. Better we send 23 that are completely focused and have been training together. My heart goes out to Tijani but it just didn’t work out for him. And everyone it’s ok to worry but let’s not be fatalistic about this. We still have all the chances to go far in this competition and the players can honor our country even with Lemerre at the helm. We should support them as best as we can.

But what is left to support ? the same scandelaze tactics , that are always used ? Even countries that don’t have money like tunisia have better preperation and better mangement. Tunisia is a spoiled rich boy that even with al their money and infrastructure cant develop to a strong foot country,Big Countries rather play the real african kings of foot, like morocco and nigeria. Tunisia is just a shame for African Foot.
This is not only bad for players at their top who where left out from the squad, but also for talent players who will mis developing.
The CA players , CSS players .
Especially are midfield is a fucking Joke. The guy from Lokomotiv Moskou is way too slow. No creative midfielders , who have to suply the strikers.
But it don’t matter , even strikers we dont have.
My team is Morocco because they deserve to win not JBOURA TWENSA
4 years time went direct to the garbage CAN !!! since 2004.

Moni, no matter what you have to say about Lemerre and our Federation, these PLAYERS are worth supporting!!! I mean they’re wearing our colors. They’re not going to go there thinking of losing. This negativity doesn’t help set things straight. Wait until after this tournament and hopefully Lemerre will be on his way and we can get someone with more ambition, offensive tactics, and better personal skills. I KNOW our players have heart and love for the jersey. Lemerre has made countless mistakes but I disagree with you, there’s always something left to support, they’re representing us! We are a football nation, and we are one of the big ones in Africa! Even Michael Essien said in an interview recently that we’re one of the toughest opponents someone could face… and I think he would know a thing or two given that he’s actually on the field.

Sure we haven’t passed the first round of the World Cup but we’ve been to the last three! That’s something to be proud of. Not to mention the fact that we have a place in history that can never be taken away from us: First African or Arab team to win a game at the World cup period. Plus since I think our decline only happened after the African cup in 2006. We only missed the Semi’s because a Santos goal was wrongly ruled for offside. We easily could have beaten Nigeria in that game that went to penalties. Since then I’ll concede the point that things haven’t been good but come on Moni, I know you’re pissed, everyone is but don’t let it disgust you to a point that you don’t support your own country. Morocco is a good team but it won’t be the same for you if they win. It just won’t.

And besides, no matter how good they are if you look at recent history we’ve been beating them. I respect your opinion and your right to free speach but you’re exhibiting the same attitude as those fans at the games who whistle and demoralize the players. I know you care about this team, otherwise you wouldn’t come and post as much as you do. We need people to get behind this. Lemerre is not the team and he’ll be packing his bags soon. I’m not picking on you it’s just I’ve been reading these kinds of thoughts in so many places (you share the opinion of most Tunisians actually) but I think I’m in the minority. I can’t write this blog and not believe in our chances. I just can’t… The list is final and we have to come to terms with it. Complaining gets us nowhere, after this cup there will be a big shakeup and maybe your trust in Tunis will come back. I’m just trying to stay positive.

momi…….if u dnt like tunis then please dont comment yeee…becasue were real twensa who hav 100% faith in the tunisian football teamm..so take yourself and your support for morocco and leave this blog. ok

It’s ok people, let’s keep this cordial and and as polite as possible. I understand frustration, it’s normal when it comes to something we love so much. Mar7aba bikoum el kol. Na7na lazem enkounou solidaire. Tunis bledna no matter what. I know Moni doesn’t say these things out of dislike for Tunisia, it’s exactly the opposite. This is all healthy debate and exactly what I’m looking for on this blog. Controversy is a part of sports and Tunisia is no exception. One thing for sure though, the red and white is something to be proud of. It’s in our blood. So thank you all for your continued interest, participation, and support.

Common TUnisia et’s kick the ass of Group ?. Hahaha!

Rami how are you going too see the matches in america. We have Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 that all countries in the EU has got. ?:O

Well I hope morocco’s stadium gets beautiful not like Rades, that has DEAD COLORS, light pink and light purple, only because it’s our presidents favourite colours. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RED AND WHITE OUR COUNTRIES COLOURS!

Hey Skander, I think the only way for me will be to watch over the internet. There’s a company that’s going to have live streams. In 2006 I used this Radio station website out of Benin where I paid a flat rate (not that expensive) to have access to all Tunisia mathces live and on demand. This time around I might use this new site that Daryl was talking about: telesud.us (i think thats the corrent link). It’s not perfect but its not super grainy and bad quality like soapcast (which works ok most of the time but not in a big tournament where I want to SEE everything).

I wish I was in Europe, Tunis, or better yet Ghana so I could really have the feeling that everyone is watching with me. Still though, having this blog and hearing your opinions really makes me feel like I’m in a community that cares… which is great!

Wow there was some rage in some of those comments. Calling Morrocco a Giant of African football cant be done without calling Tunisia one in the same sentence, we beat them in 2004 ANC finals, as well as prevented them from going to WC 2006. They were in our qualifying group. Recently their clubs havnt been as successful either. That isnt the point tho.

We Tunisians should support whoever is selected. Every single player will try their best, all the players selected want to be there. It doesnt matter how many times Tunis looses, I still support. No other countries victory could make me happier.

Personally being underestimated drives me, all the players must feel like they are being underestimated. I think they are. I think as Rami says, there is no point doing anything unless its with Positivity. So i will watch the games and read this blog with an err of the glass being half full.

Once again Rami, this blog is going to my favorites. Thanks for your eloquence and constant updates.

I don’t get why everybody is thinking why tunis wont do good. I support tunisia no matter what. I think they can get far in this african cup. Also tunisia always plays it best against african countries so ya.

I’m am a very proud Tunisian. But I respect good footballing teams, even iff its not my countrie. Iff I have to compare Marocco and Tunisia , I rather like the Morocco style of play , because this one is atractive to me, they play nice offensive Foot.
But I sense people are little bit touchie about the marocco thing.
Typical no feeling for critisime, no hard feelings. I hope the best for Tunisia , and I hope am wrong about everything. But lets wait the Iran game

Iman , like the girls name ?

Rami, thanx for your quick reply. One more question though…since I’m in Canada I’m also looking for a place to watch the matches and I was wondering if the site you recommended was free or not.

MONI!!!! i am a girlllllllllllllllllllllll hehehehehheheheh

Ir’s really good that we’ve got a girl in this blog. HAHA

Nabil, I think that you do actually need to pay a fee (which means you need a credit card number or checking card or smthn). I did it last time with that radio station website and it worked quite well. I don’t remember the exact figure but it was not that expensive (I think around 25 dollars or something to see all of Tunisia’s games). Daryl, who runs the site and posts a lot of the homepage articles has been in contact with the telesud.us people and will let us know just how much it will cost and whether the games will only be available live streaming or also on demand. I’ll look into it more and whenever Daryl posts about this issue I’ll be sure to give you the link.

Bman, thanks for the kind words and your constant input I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

Iman are you born in UK ?

yeee i was but i lived in tunis for 7 yearz

So you are a world citizen Iman, I am wondering iff there are many Tunisians in UK.
But there aren’t allot of youre kind..
Girls who watch football , ore are you just watching tijani Bellaid his but when playing ?
Okee spicegirl maybe I hear from you more
Ciauu Iman

thanx Rami for answering my questions and for the constant updates.

hehehehehheheheheheheh……lol yee there are quite alot of tunisians in the UK and they are increasing, most of the tunisian girls that i noe like football but they onli watch it when tunis are playin, i watch all football hehehe becoz i have two brothers no sisters, I DONT JUS WATCH IT FOR TIJANI BELAIS although he is cute looooool.
anyways im out

belaid*

I think u just crazie Iman,
oh ma goddddd…if i just could hear youre Englisch accent. I like the crazie cos sometimes they have the BELLAAIS hehe. So wich Football team/s/ representing youre Town spicegirl ? The one/s/ you like. Iff youre on vacation in Tunisia can you speak fluent arabic ore is it more difficult then Englisch ? I mean to expres yourself in Arabic/English , Maybe you also speak french.. I dnt no.
Me I hate when people start talking french to me quesqu tu vu etc etc.
Ore when they counting money back .. We had a teacher that came specialy to teach us arabic, they made him crazy in a clas of 40 boys and girls.
So No result ,Atleast i speak some arabic

loooooooool…i live in manchester so MANCHESTER UNITED, supported the redz for as long as i can remember hehehe….i speak arabic(tunisian) very fluent, its like i lived in tunisia all ma life, i speak the same as in arabic as i speak in english, i can read and write in arabic hehehe…OHH MA GIDDD…i hate french as well even though i got an A in it….i cant stand it when tunisian chat in french..it makes me mad,,and nopeee i cant speak frech and i dnt want to either looool.

It is still very early and I must go to school I hate school. yesterday I have discovered that manchester actualy is a small city , not as large as London, Arsenal rules by the way lolll. Same old MAN U always cheating !, but they (MAN U) play some terrible good football to be honoust.
You mentioned that you supported the redz for as LONG as you can remember..is that a long long (dusty times) time ago ? ore just in the eigties and/ore 90ties
because its hard for me to imagine that u are an old tart ..
I gues your in the 20 and above, U re brothers are they dangerous ? because i like to come over for a week if thats no problemo hehe also with your Parents, want to trie fish&ships nope just kiding but If u want you are welcome in Holland we have a lots of rain here !
In tunisia where i live there is soo much sun , it is like a western movie , the people included ! The Good,BAD, and the Ugly Welcome 2 north West Tunisia. Dear Fancy ass Iman I go know because if not i mis mi bus…I catch you latter Crazie

kiss my ass, assholes

Why cant we have any comments about the tunisian team!?!? F*** that…I´ve got my pride, and not willin to lose that either!! `The players who are going, are playin 2 win`….whatever, when im going to ghana and would play….IM PLAYIN 2 WIN TOO…….they should sign a coach with tunisian blood, one who gets goosebumps during Himat Al Hima….

Ciao

And kiss ur mommas ass stupidass Philippine….dont hate us because we have a team to be proud of…

o senegal today.. i really hope we win …and i wish we can score alot of goals like morocco and egypt…the other north african countures were good..and now tunisia better keep it up.OOOOOOOOOO IM SCAREDDDDDDDDDDD!!

senegal was hard….i think south-africa and angole will be a lot easier…DAMN! im watchin´ morocco right now, they are gettin´their ass kicked…..3 goals within 4 minutes….i hate sayin this, but i still give morocco a good chance winning the cup!! but pray its gonna be tunisia…inchallah!!!