Our defeat puts us in great difficulty" (Thierry Froger, coach of Togo)

Cafonline.com: Thierry Froger, what lessons did you learn from this encounter?

Thierry Froger: "The result of the match is the type which is difficult to take. I think we did what was necessary to take the lead in the first half. In front of us we had a very efficient team that scored due to our first defensive error. Earlier, we had the opportunity to strike at 16.50 meters. We equalized and it boosted our morale. In the second half, we had more difficulties and even though we had an opportunity to score a second time, the opponent showed great qualities. Efficiency is one of the qualities of the team. Overall, I think we have progressed compared to the match against Botswana, but we were not quite effective both defensively and offensively. "

Cafonline.com: You talk about lack of effectiveness, what then justifies the fact that you did not focus on the attack instead of playing defensively?
Thierry Froger: "After every game, everyone can build his team. But I think the game revealed some interesting things to us. We created opportunities ... We can always rebuild the team, and then replay the match. The truth is that it must be done before ... "

Cafonline.com: You lost and it puts you in a very critical situation, what did you learn finally ...
Thierry Froger: "It's a defeat that puts us in great difficulty, arithmetically and also in the mind of the players. I think they made the effort to equalize. We regrouped well, only that our efforts were not rewarded. We must be brave, do not give up and get back to work both in the club and also in the next camping. "

Cafonline.com: Is there still a chance of qualification for Togo?
Thierry Froger: "As of today, we no longer have our destiny in our hands, and beyond our results, we must rely on others and especially to go get points away before the match against Chad. And there is an obvious need to win. But we must also win in Malawi and Tunisia. Nothing is impossible. "

Cafonline.com: Don’t you think it’s a lot difficult to qualify?

Thierry Froger: "Nothing is easy because even when we are committed, we do not always get the reward of our efforts. It is seen on the ground, and then you also have opponents who possess qualities. Nothing is easy today for Togo which is in difficulties. We must hang on, but not give up. "

Cafonline.com: What really motivates you now?

Thierry Froger: "When you lose, you're never happy, especially when you see your players tired and worn out. That's life. One does not always win. It's part of the quality of a man and a coach. "

Cafonline.com: No victory so far with Togo. Do you feel threatened in your job?

Thierry Froger: "They have not asked me to resign. You're the first to pose the question. Remember that there is still so much work to do in Togo and one need to be tenacious and never give up. "

Cafonline.com: When you falter a bit, do you feel that you have given everything?

Thierry Froger, "I said and I repeat: it was a very important game and we had to win and I think it was well prepared. We have not been rewarded. I think I have given everything, and the players too have also given their all. We did the right thing; and created scoring opportunities. We faltered at the defense and that's it. Remember that besides here there are difficulties in organizing football at the championship. It is obvious that teams that have expatriates focus on their local league and the players. This is not the case in Togo. Also, the whole organization needs to be improved and the best players be brought in order to get the best possible team. "