New FTF President, Continental/Regional Competitions, and Coelho’s Thoughts

After a few days of silence, it’s update time!

- Kamel Ben Amor was confirmed as the new president of the FTF, after the resignation of Tahar Sioud. This doesn’t come as a surprise since the FIFA guideline basically dictated this choice. Meanwhile, Moncef Ben Gharbia takes over as vice president. Since we touched on this recently, I won’t dwell on it too much. I wish Ben Amor luck in the time that he has. Come September, we’ll have a better idea regarding his ability to run the Federation.

- Our teams in continental and regional competitions next year (2008/2009):

CAF Champions League: Etoile du Sahel and Club Africain
CAF Confederation Cup: EGS Gafsa and Stade Tunisien
Arab Champions League: US Monastir and Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Club Sportif Sfaxien might join them here as well)

Is anyone else surprised that Esperance chose the the Arab Champions League over the CAF Confed Cup? Did the $2 Million title compensation have something to do with it? I know that Taraji wants to concentrate very hard on the domestic league this year as they would like to get back to their winning ways. Maybe being in the Confed Cup at the same time was too much to handle? I’m not sure but if it’s part of their plan that they outlined they must have their reasons. As for CSS, keep in mind that the winner of the Confed Cup does not automatically qualify for the next edition. Not sure if CSS could play in it since they came in 10th in the league. I think that’s why they might opt for Arab Champions League.

- After keeping his word regarding the change of Stadium issue, Humberto Coelho continues to impress in the public relations department. You’ll remember that during his first press conference in Tunis, he said he would be available for exclusive interviews with the Tunisian press as long as they are coordinated through Mondher Chaouachi.

Turns out he was serious, as today La Presse, has a lengthy interview with the Portuguese coach in today’s newspaper (French version, English google translation). I’m not going to translate the entire thing since 1) the translation provided by google is fairly accurate. 2) he repeated a lot of stuff he said in his initial press conference (I appreciate the consistency of his message though) and 3) it’s pretty damn long.

Here are a few things of note though:

1. Asked about whether the improvements to Portugal’s soccer over the years could be replicated in Tunisia, Coelho went a little off course and cited some names that you wouldn’t have expected. He touched on our “problem” with goalkeepers and said he appreciated how Tunisian teams don’t bring in many foreign goalkeepers and implied that more chances should be given to youngsters in this domain. Specifically, Arbi Mejri and Habib Tounsi (both Esperance players).

While most Tunisians seem to be pretty happy with Balbouli’s showings with the National team, it’s very encouraging to see that Coelho is doing his homework and has been taking note of more than just the starting talent on our Club teams. Arbi Mejri has been preferred to Kasraoui in some instances and Habib Tounsi had a great U17 World Cup (stopping two penalties in some very important games). It’s good to know that Coelho isn’t just sitting in his air conditioned office watching tapes but is also making it out to training sessions and seeing the big picture.

2. Coelho restated his desire to play a high tempo and collective gameplan in which we look to possess the ball and pierce the opponents defense with dribble penetration and well timed runs into space. He wants attackers that will be unpredictable in the last third of the pitch. To create this type of playing style, he insists that not only will he have to give clear instructions and responsibilities, but he will have to instill a confidence in the players who play much better when they are at ease mentally.

More than once he mentioned a national team spirit that had to come with wearing the colors of our flag. This isn’t just an empty appeal to patriotism though, what he means is that there are players who play very well in their clubs but become shy or timid when they are incorporated in the national team. He would like to change this and make sure that we take advantage of the individual qualities of the players we have. That’s great news for the technically gifted footballers at our disposal (Chikhaoui, Mouihbi, Chermiti etc.).

3. He still has a sense of humor. He was asked whether he reads any of the Tunisian newspapers and his response was: “Yes, but even more when things are going badly. It can help!” Haha, could you imagine Roger Lemerre saying something like that? Well, maybe thats a stupid question because Lemerre wouldn’t even be giving a frank interview like this. I know we haven’t seen anything yet in terms of football but the early signs are reassuringly promising. I might be being too positive but I just have a good feeling about this guy.

Do read the interview though, there’s more to it than what I mentioned. Keep up the good work Mr. Coelho, we’re counting on you!

Stay tuned for the CAF Confederation Cup previews that should be posted tomorrow. Looking forward to this weekends games!