Guinea national team coach Paulo Duarte has announced a list of players for the upcoming matches against Eritrea, including three new faces. The team will play two matches against Eritrea on November 12 and 16. Duarte made the announcement at a press conference, where he discussed the team's recent performances, challenges related to travel and injuries.
Duarte expressed his preference for winning matches, even if the team doesn't play well, over playing attractive football and losing. He cited the team's recent match against South Africa, where they had a strong second half but ultimately lost. The coach emphasized that his primary goal is to achieve results, not to focus on style or "psychological victories."
The coach discussed the challenges his team faced in their recent matches, particularly the long travel distances and lack of recovery time. He mentioned that the team's players were exhausted after traveling 15 hours from South Africa to Conakry, which affected their performance in the match against Kenya. Duarte stressed that managing the team's workload and fitness is crucial given these constraints.
Duarte revealed that several players have been ruled out of the upcoming matches due to injuries and fatigue. He emphasized that he must manage his squad effectively to achieve his goals. The coach also highlighted the importance of having a strong team dynamic, stating that winning is the primary objective, even if it means not playing attractive football.
When asked about the absences of certain players and their refusal to join the national team, Duarte chose to focus on those who are available and willing to play for Guinea. He praised the players who are committed to representing their country and emphasized that he will work with those who are available to achieve his goals.
Duarte acknowledged that the absences and refusals of some players complicate his task, but he remains focused on working with the players who are available. He expressed his determination to give his best with the players he has, rather than dwelling on those who are not available.
The coach's priority is to ensure that his team is prepared for the upcoming matches against Eritrea. With a focus on winning and a pragmatic approach to the game, Duarte is determined to achieve a positive result. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their progress in the competition.
Key points
- Paulo Duarte prioritizes winning over style as his team prepares to face Eritrea.
- The team faces challenges related to travel and injuries, which have affected their recent performances.
- Duarte is focused on working with the players who are available and willing to represent Guinea.
