In a surprising revelation, the coach of the Ivory Coast national team, Jean-Louis Gasset, has unveiled his ambitious strategy involving the talents of Nicolas Pépé and Jonathan Bamba in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
Nicolas Pépé, absent from the national squad since the defeat against Burkina in November 2022, has narrowly secured his place in the Elephants’ roster for CAN 2023, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024. During the press conference announcing the 27-player list, Gasset explained the return of the former Lille player, who now plies his trade with Trabzonspor in Turkey after a disappointing stint at Arsenal.
The Ivory Coast team featuring the Pépé-Bamba duo
“He made the necessary efforts to come back after a knee injury he suffered in Nice. He treated this injury. He played the matches needed to return with his club in Turkey. There was a small setback at one point, but now he is coming back. And I think – I mentioned it earlier – the balance of the squad with right-footed players required a creative player on that side. That’s what tipped the scales,” justified the Ivory Coast coach.
But Gasset’s revelation doesn’t stop there. He also expressed his intention to reunite the dynamic Pépé-Jonathan Bamba duo, which shone at Lille during the 2018-2019 season, finishing runners-up to PSG. At that time, Pépé emerged as the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 with 22 goals, just behind Kylian Mbappé, and the second-highest assist provider with 13 assists.
“But I know Nicolas Pépé, I have known him for a while. I have an image of him from his time at Lille, where he was a French champion, scored goals. With Jonathan Bamba, they played on the sides, they know each other very well, and I want to believe that in a month-long competition, we can rediscover this duo,” affirmed the Ivory Coast coach. The question remains whether he made the right decision or not.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s audacious decision could bring a new dynamic to the Ivorian team at CAN 2023. The Elephants’ coach has carefully shaped his team to maintain a perfect balance during this tournament.
The Ivory Coast team, tactics up in the air
Tactical decisions have led to the exclusion of notable players such as Wilfried Zaha, a situation Gasset describes as the “most thorny case.” The coach explained that the squad’s balance was a decisive factor, with a prevalence of right-footed players. He also mentioned Zaha’s performances in previous gatherings, noting a slight dip in form during the last assembly against Morocco and South Africa. “It’s a choice of the coach,” affirmed the Ivory Coast coach in this context.
Wilfried Zaha, on the other hand, responded with class to his non-selection. Through a post on his Instagram Story, he wished good luck to his selected teammates representing the country. “I will cheer them on from afar”, he wrote, demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship despite personal disappointment.
The Ivory Coast, the first nation to seriously vie for the ultimate victory, is gearing up to reclaim the trophy that has eluded them since Hervé Renard’s era in 2015, with the advantage of playing on home soil. Since Jean-Louis Gasset’s appointment, the national team has oscillated between positive performances and less convincing results.
The coach of the Ivory Coast national team boasts a record of 9 victories, 3 draws, and 2 defeats. However, recently, his team seems to be gaining momentum, relying on genuine football talents to represent Ivory Coast honorably in the continental competition. Fans eagerly await to see how these tactical choices will influence the Elephants’ journey at CAN 2023.
In a bold and strategic move, Ivory Coast national team coach Jean-Louis Gasset has revealed his ambitious plans for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), centered around the talents of Nicolas Pépé and Jonathan Bamba. Pépé, making a return to the squad after a hiatus since November 2022, has secured his spot, and Gasset’s intention to rekindle the dynamic Pépé-Bamba duo from their successful Lille days adds an exciting dimension to the team. Gasset’s tactical decisions, including the exclusion of Wilfried Zaha for squad balance, are described as the “most thorny case,” emphasizing the prevalence of right-footed players. As the Ivory Coast aims to reclaim the trophy on home soil, Gasset’s audacious choices could infuse a new dynamic into the team, blending genuine football talents. The coach’s record, recent team momentum, and the anticipation of fans further amplify the intrigue surrounding the Elephants’ journey at CAN 2023.
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