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Too Little, Too Late? FTF Settles on Humberto Coelho

June 2nd, 2008 | By: Rami | 9 Comments »

What A Mustache! The painstaking search for a new coach has come to a merciful end. After months of failed interviews, approaches, and contract negotiations in which they were the very embodiment of incompetence, the FTF has finally settled on someone. The word on the street (and on their website) is that it came down to vote in which the majority of the ruling body opted for Humberto Coelho.

The members that voted against his appointment were still holding out hope that a Tunisian coach could lead the Carthage Eagles (and by Tunisian coach I mean Faouzi Benzarti). The fact that this wasn’t a unanimous decision shows just how FUBARed things are inside the Federation (if you want to know what that means just watch Saving Private Ryan). From what I understand, it was Tahar Sioud’s pick. This is a cause for concern given that Sioudypants is an impostor who knows zilch about football. Rumor has it he was a banker before his current post (shhhhh, don’t tell anyone…).

I guess by now you’ve caught onto the fact that I’m not too thrilled. It doesn’t even have that much to do with Coelho himself (consider it a Burkina Faso hangover). I have to admit I don’t know THAT much about him. The only Coelho that is firmly ingrained in my memory bank is a Brazilian named Paolo. From what I do know, he’s not a catastrophic choice like Santini would have been but the fact that he’s been unsuccessfully searching for a job for the past two years isn’t a good sign.

I won’t judge him (ok, that’s a lie) until he gets a chance to do some work with the team and we see the fruits of his labor. The most encouraging thing about this guy is that he is Portuguese (no more Ecole Francaise) and reportedly favors creating offensive rhythm rather than waiting for defensive lapses. The notable accomplishment on his resume is that he reached the Euro semifinal in 2000 where his Portugal side went out in heartbreaking fashion versus the eventual champions, France. You remember that Abel Xavier handball right? Yea, me too.

What is incredibly frustrating about this is that the FTF is putting this guy in an impossible situation. If we were serious about qualifying for the African Cup/World Cup then we would have fired Roger Lemerre months ago and given this guy the reigns. He would have gotten to check out the players in the Tunisian League and also would have had a chance to get accustomed to the Tunisian way of doing business (you know, the sloooowwww way). Actually, if we had fired Lemerre when we were supposed to then we would have appointed Bertrand Marchand so I guess I shouldn’t dwell on the past.

All we can do is sit back, complain (I’m getting good at it I think), and hope that Lemerre doesn’t completely stick it to us in his last three matches in charge. I used to be diplomatic when it came to the Frenchman but after his latest transgressions (no Wissem Ben Yahia in the starting lineup, no Mouihbi or Dhaouadi in the list of 23, starting three slow defensive midfielders against the speedy Stallions, and his preposterous post match declaration), you can firmly put me in the Anti-Lemerde camp.

Appointing a new coach doesn’t get to the root of the issue: The FTF is a disgrace and needs to be purged. Nevertheless, best of luck to Mr. Coelho. Hopefully success is “maktoub” for you at the helm of the Tunisian National Team (if you picked up on that joke you’re awesome… or you just read The Alchemist).

I hope he kept the mustache. That thing is outrageous.

Tags: Bertrand Marchand, Carthage Eagles, Faouzi Benzarti, Federation Tunisienne de Football, FTF, Group H, Humberto Coelho, Roger Lemerre

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Comments

By Rachid | June 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Anyone, but Lemerde is a relief right now! The change was not made because of Sunday’s loss; it merely was a coincidence! The FTF had wanted to hire one of their French masters, but apparently failed. I’m glad to see you still insist on Marchand; I too had hopes for him. He treated the FTF with respect. He was told how dare he put any conditions. Lemerre on the other hand gets a free hand to do whatever he pleases. That’s the kind of language the FTF morons understand! The irony is that our Moroccan friends do not think much of him, but of course they do have a full grasp of what the hell they’re getting. Good riddance to Lemerre; may he burn in hell!!!

By Tahar | June 2nd, 2008 at 11:24 pm

I feel exactly the same way you feel Rami. But to all the other readers, does it not seem that Rami has completely lost his mind since the Burkina Faso game. Usually hes so composed and diplomatic, and in this last post hes totally lost it hahaha references to the alchemist and paolo coelho hahaha

Rami forever a legend in my books!

Posted from United States

By Tahar | June 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm

oh and also totally agree on the butcher/walrus mustache. I think he got rid of it, but id its still there we should get him bell bottoms and some retro 70’s gear.

Posted from United States

By Yassine | June 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 am

I’m actually very optimistic about this. Enough of Ecole Francaise! That style of play doesn’t fit our players, but it does for the French. Finally we’ll going to see a pleasant style of play with an an attacking spirit. I hope that we’ll going to see Dhaouadi Mouihbi Chermiti and Chikhaoui together on the pitch.

By zouheir | June 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 am

of what Iheard Ithink is a lot bollocks ,but who knows whats the future hold

Posted from United Kingdom

By Rami | June 3rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm

LOL Tahar, if going crazy makes me legendary in your books then perhaps I should do it more often, haha! Thanks for appreciating the alchemist jokes buddy;) And great call on the retro gear for mr walrus mustache. latest pictures show its gone but i want to start a campaign to get him to grow it back. it’s very endearing lol.

Rachid, the fact that Lemerre is going to Morocco after Tunisia might work in our favor because if he completely screws us, Moroccans will see that and take note of it. Actually, forget I said that. They already know how crazy he is. I still think he’ll do well with them initially and then ultimately get set in his rigid ways, ignore talent, and treat journalists like lepers. Their Federation better take heed, when Lemerre pushes everyone needs to push back. You need united front to combat him.

Yassine and Zouheir, we’ll see what this guy is made of. I do sincerely wish him all the best. I just hope they pick an assistant that is not biased towards any one team and that will point Coelho in the right direction. and Yassine, the day I see the players you mentioned together on the field in an official match will be a great day for Tunisian soccer.

Thanks for the input guys and stay tuned for a new post this evening…

Posted from United States

By Rachid | June 3rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm

I just learned (from kawarji.com) that Sabeur Ben Frej will not be traveling with the NT to Seychelles or Burundi. Not sure what’s up! Only 22 players will go!!!

Posted from United States

By Rami | June 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm

You are correct my friend. Mouihbi in Saber Ben Frej, Majdi Traoui, Zouhaier Dhaouadi out

Ben Frej and Traoui both got hurt in the Burkina FiAScO match.

More on this when I get off work.

Posted from United States

By Rached | June 5th, 2008 at 5:09 am

I do feel very well as the end of june approches. really Lemerre was a bad nightmare for most of the tunisian sportsmen. although i was for a tunisian foot ball coach but , whatever happens during the peroiod 2008-2010 with Humberto Coelho it’s better than lemerre nightmare. i wish the best for Mr Coelho and for our NT anyway.

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