Emerse Faé (Elephants coach): “We’re going to make them crack”

What is the team’s state of mind before the match?
The state of mind is good. We had a good week of training even if it was a bit short. We worked well and the players responded well to the staff’s expectations. We can’t wait to start this new adventure. We have a title to put back into play and for that, we have to qualify. This match is very important. We are also happy to return to the Bouaké stadium and the public who gave us a lot at the CAN.

What is your view on the Zambian team?

It’s a good team that we know. We were in the same group during the last qualifiers even though we had already qualified. It went very well at home in Yamoussoukro where we won (3-1). In the return match, it was something else and everyone knows what happened. It’s an athletic team that knows how to defend and is very strong on the counterattack. We prepared to face this kind of opponent even if we gave ourselves a lot of options because we don’t know in what state of mind they will show up. There is no easy match. We will take it seriously and attack to make them crack and win.

Does being the favourite and the African champion put pressure on you?

No, I don’t think so. If we are serious, it won’t weigh on us. Playing here in Bouaké after what happened against Mali will be a strength for us. We don’t have any negative pressure for this match, on the contrary it is positive.

What will be your offensive option in the absence of Sébastien Haller?

I have several options. Oumar Diakité can play up front and we see that in Reims. I have Jean-Philippe Krasso who is also a striker capable of playing up front, I have Evan Guessand, Emmanuel Lath etc. I also have the possibility of playing with two strikers in attack. There are quite a few options but I can’t say now.

What strategy do you intend to adopt to beat Zambia?

We will play to attack and to have possession. We try not to play too much in relation to the opponent. We want to have our own style of play. We want to win to qualify as soon as possible.

Could Amad Diallo be one of the key elements in your plan against the Zambians?

We hope so, as do all the other players. We are happy to see Amad Diallo back in the national team, like all the Ivorians. We will try to put him in the best conditions so that he can bring us the full extent of his talent.

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