Lemerre Satisfied with Tunisia’s CAN Effort

Even after a disappointing, heartbreaking loss to Nigeria in a penalty shootout, Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre remains ever the optimist. Lemerre says Tunisia’s African Nations Cup run will benefit the team enormously this summer in Germany.

“I’m very satisfied with our performances and with what we gained out of the tournament. In terms of team selection for the World Cup, in terms of experience for the players and the building of our confidence and team spirit,” the veteran French coach said.

This is of course a positive spin on things, but Lemerre does have reason to be optimistic. His experienced first unit played well together in Egypt and his players have fully bought into his system of play. It is a system that is not always pretty to watch but one that will keep his team in games against teams with more talent.

Still, as a Tunisia fan, I must say that all isn’t green in our paradise. Lemerre choose to rest his starters in the last group play match and as a result the team lost and ended up facing Nigeria. Personally, I would have wanted to avoid Nigeria at all costs. The Super Eagles have proven to be a difficult team for Tunisia over the years. For that reason alone I think Lemerre deserves a little bit of scrutiny.

But in the end, I am optimistic too. Playing in a group with Ukraine, Spain and Saudi Arabia, I think Tunisia has a really chance this summer.