Algeria coach cries in fear of Egypt loss

الأحد، 24 مايو 2009 - 15:46

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Algeria manager Rabeh Saadane broke into tears at a press conference on Saturday as he pled for the safety of his family, should things go wrong against Egypt next month.

Algeria will host the African champions on June 6th in a crucial World Cup qualifier and Saadane is anxious of the repercussions should his side fall short.

The 63-year-old, who failed to take the Desert Foxes beyond the first round in the 1986 World Cup, obviously couldn’t stand the pressure of a setback this year.

"I am asking the Algerian authorities to provide safety for my family should anything happens against Egypt," Saadane said before breaking down in tears.

"I don’t want the scenario of 1986 to occur again.

"I am not afraid of Egypt and I am not worried about my job because I can deal with sacking. All I care about is my family.

"We live in a suburban area and my family is always under a lot of pressure. I am also worried about the future of my son who is heading for the exams."

Algeria registered a goalless away draw with Group C minnows Rwanda in the qualifiers opener last March.

France camp

Saadane admitted that he opted to assemble his team in Southern France for the intention of avoiding the severe pressure from the home fans.

The former ES Setif manager didn’t even mention the location of the camp for that purpose.

"We have chosen to prepare for Egypt in a quit place, away from the tension caused by our home fans," he added.

Fine chance

The veteran coach, who guided Algeria to the 1982 World Cup in Spain, is aware of the toughness of his North African neighbors.

"I think Egypt have a very fine chance of reaching the World Cup. They have what it takes to atone for their earlier slip-up against Zambia," Saadane said

"I have studied the points of strengths and weaknesses of the Egyptian team very well, but I know that our mission will be difficult."

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