Lemerre Sticks by his Subs

Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre has come under some criticism for choosing to rest a number of his starters during yesterday’s African Nations Cup 3-0 loss to Guinea. The Carthage Eagles had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals and were willing to concede the top spot in their group in exchange for some needed rest and relaxtion.

“I don’t regret the choice I’ve made,” said Lemerre, who before the game had said he would field his strongest team and try to win the group. “We had won our first two games and we’d already done the most important thing.”

“The first thing I would talk about is the quality of the opponents,” he said as he was grilled by the frustrated Tunisian media. “Guinea were very fast, very skilful and deserved their win.”

I am 100% behind Lemerre’s decision. There is no reason for him to hurt the team’s ultimate goal – capturing the tournament championship – for the short term gain of beating Guinea. By playing his subs in a comptetitive match he has helped to keep them fresh. You never know when a player off the bench might be the difference in a future match.

The Tunisian media need to back off. Lemerre has shown time and time again he knows what is best for the team. I have no doubt that his decision on Monday will pay off in the end.