In March, Amir Abdou was officially appointed as the coach of the Burkina Faso national football team by the Burkina Faso Federation for the next two years. This marks a new chapter in the professional career of the former coach of SU Agen. Interview.
“Burkina Faso is a major team in African football. Was it easy to accept the offer to coach the team?”
Honestly, yes, it was quite natural to say yes. Burkina Faso is a prominent nation in African football, with a rich history, identity, and quality players. It’s an ambitious project, and for a coach, it’s always motivating to work with a team like this. So the decision was made quickly.
“In a few words, how did the selection process and negotiations with Burkina Faso go?”
The contact was straightforward. There were discussions with the federation about their project, vision, objectives, means, and the direction they wanted for the team. Negotiations went smoothly in a climate of trust, which helped me make the decision.
“Your tenure with Hassania Agadir was short. How do you assess your time in Morocco?”
Even though it was brief, I have a positive experience from my time in Agadir. We tried to implement new strategies and structure the team, which had some interesting moments. In football, circumstances and results sometimes lead to shorter cycles. But it was still an enriching experience.
“There are many dual nationals in Europe: convincing them to choose Burkina Faso is important.”
“Your success with national teams has shaped your career. Are you concerned about being labeled as just a national team coach?”
No, I don’t see it as a problem. While I have had good experiences with national teams, I believe it’s part of my journey. Today, I am open to all projects, whether in clubs or national teams. The most important thing is the sporting and human project. I don’t set limits for myself.
“In your first weeks with Burkina Faso, what are the team’s strengths?”
The team’s primary strength is its spirit. There is a lot of commitment and solidarity. Additionally, there is talent among the players who can make a difference individually. There is also a good balance of experience and youth, which is essential for building a strong foundation. Furthermore, there are many dual nationals in Europe, and it’s up to us to convince them to choose Burkina Faso.
“The goals are clear: be competitive in every match, build a solid team, and progress over time.”
“Who are the key players in the team?”
Players like Edmond Tapsoba, Hervé Koffi, Nasser Djiga, Adamo Nagalo, Arsène Kouassi, and Dango Ouattara are crucial for the team’s success.
“What are your goals with the national team?”
The objectives are evident: be competitive in every match, build a strong team, and progress over time. In the medium term, there are major African competitions and crucial qualifications like the World Cup. The schedule will be busy, allowing us to continue working, testing new strategies, and strengthening team dynamics. Our approach is to progress step by step, aiming to build a sustainable team.
(Note: Context and Fact Check notes have been included in the translation for clarity.)
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