Soccer News of Sunday, 17 September 2006

Source: GNA

Dessailley in line for Black Stars' job

Accra, Sept, 17, GNA -- Marcel Dessailley, Ghanaian born French soccer legend who turned down an offer from the GFA to coach the Black Stars said he might accept the job in the future.

In an exclusive interview with GNA Sports, the former French national team captain and World Cup winner said he would accept the job after understanding the politics at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and knowing the way things were controlled and organised, including decision making and implementation.

He said his earlier decision to stay away from the job did not mean a refusal but he felt he was not ready at the time the offer came because he did not know a lot of things about the GFA and the players and could not have worked successfully with such a handicap. Dessailley said he would qualify as a full fledged coach with a professional diploma in January 2007 and that would prepare him better for a coaching career.

"I will receive a D.E.P.F, the highest coaching diploma in France when I complete my programme in January next year," he said.

The Accra born French soccer maestro said though he was no longer involved in active play, he was still engrossed in the game as, a media personnel, providing commentary and analyses on radio and television. Marcel Dessailley was touted to sit in the technical saddle of the Black Stars after the resignation of Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic but he declined the offer, culminating into a search for a new coach launched by the GFA.

Over 50 coaches applied for the job which was handed over to Frenchman, Claude Le Roy who allegedly beat local coach Cecil Jones Attuquayfio in the final round of interview by an 81 to 74 margin. Le Roy is on a two year contract worth $20 thousand a month.