Bosnian coach Hallilizovic to Echourok: Algeria squad are the match of the best teams in the world

Although three weeks have past since the defeat of his squad versus the Algerian side in the Africa Cup of Nations competition, the Bosnian coach Walid Hallilizovic is still affected by the disqualification of the elephants of Ivory Coast.

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• In a wide- ranging interview with Echourok , the coach recall back the match that opposed the “Greens” to the “Elephants” and discussed several other issues surrounding the two teams that are due to represent the African continent in the upcoming World Cup.
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• Q: Good evening M Hallilizovic…
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• A: Good evening, who’s talking?
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• Q: A journalist from Algeria.
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• A: Hello; you want to know whether I’m still coaching the Ivory Coast squad, I suppose?.
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• Q: Not exactly, but this question is one among many others.
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• A: Go ahead, please.
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• Q: Thanks a lot, since you mentioned the point concerning your position with the Ivory Coast squad, would you please tell us something about the rumors surrounding your future as coach of the elephants?
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• A: Same as you, I’m following news through the media… For the time being, I’m in France for some days of rest after an exhausting African tournament in Angola… to be frank, I haven’t received any formal statement concerning the end of my mission… Let me tell you that I’m thinking about the upcoming friendly match versus Korea slated for March in London as part of the first phase of preparation for the World Cup competition.
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• Q: You seem very confident as to your future with the Ivory Coast squad, what’s the secret of it knowing that the question of your stay at the head of the squad has sparked huge media uproar?.
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• A: I told you earlier, that I don’t feel concerned about journalists’ articles, until proving wrong I’m still the Ivory Coast coach with all my regards to the media professionals who write with objectivity.
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• Q: You seem very affected by the problems you have endured in the African tournament?
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• A: Yes, because it seems to me that many people in Ivory Coast were waiting for at the corner, so how can you explain this media uproar concerning my future with the “Elephants”?
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• Q: What’s the aim of this campaign in you opinion?
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• A: Things are crystal clear; many people in Ivory Coast are looking for an outlet to explain our failure in the African Cup of Nations tournament and the best thing to contain the anger of the street is to find a scapegoat.
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• Q: Do you think that the Ivory Coast fans have turned their back on you?
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• A: Actually, my relationship with the fans has always been on top; at least they are grateful to me for what I have given to their squad. But some parties are working for tarnishing my image I order to show me as the sole responsible for this setback, but I cannot accept it.
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• Q: But we can easily understand the fans ‘anger especially that you were the top favourites in this competition and everybody predicted your crowning?.
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• A: I know that and cannot deny it… I was personally convinced that we were the favourites but many factors played a part in our ousting in the quarters, including the refereeing. The referee has denied us a legitimate goal in the injury time versus Algeria… I have replayed the action several times since and concluded that the referee made a mistake.
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• Q: Do you mean that Algeria’s qualification was not meritorious?.
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• A: I didn’t say that at all, but recalled facts that nobody can deny. The referee didn’t validate a goal but I still fair-play as usual and admit the Algerian qualification was meritorious because the players were more determines than us. They have given a lesson of bravery and resilience on the pitch and that made a difference.
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• Q: You  seem very angry at your players, what do you blame them for exactly?
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• A: I have told you that I’m not the only responsibility for this setback though the rule needs that the coach must be the sole accountable for any failure… But I still believe that my players have done gross misjudgements during this match, how come that great players who operates in the most prestigious European clubs cannot keep a score in their favour a minute before the final whistle?
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• Q: Many lay the blame on your stars who are not as competitive with the national squad as they are when they play to their respective clubs especially someone like Didier Drogba, any comment.?
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• A: I’m not this type of coaches who criticise his players publicly… Though I have a lot to say in the matter, but a day will come where I will shed light on everything.
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• Q: How do you explain the severe defeat of the Algeria squad against the Egyptian side?
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• A: Frankly speaking I didn’t see the match, but I’ve been told that the referee was responsible for this debacle; Algeria couldn’t have lost in this way after a top class performance showed against us. When a referee shows three red cards for the same squad, nobody can face up to his component.
• Q: How do you see the Algeria squad in the world cup?
• A: I’m quite certain that if they play the same way as they did against Ivory coast, they can beat the biggest squads, including England. Solidarity is the big quality of your team, you have to invest in this.
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