Michel Dussuyer : ” Not to be at CAN 2021, would be a stop “

The coach of the Benin Squirrels was the guest on Saturday 17 avril 2021 from Tokpa Radio's "Weekend à tout vent". With the animators, Michel Dussuyer addressed several issues relating to the management of his workforce. For the French technician, it is an obligation for the Beninese selection to be part of the next big continental mass of sport-king.

There is only one ticket left for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), that the Leone Stars and the Squirrels could not compete for the 30 last march in Freetown. This is due to the deception of the Sierra Leoneans who declared a few minutes before the meeting that five Beninese players tested positive for Covid-19. A rude masquerade dismantled by the Beninese authorities whose last decision for a victory on the green carpet or not or the confirmation of the postponement of the match is in the hands of the African Football Confederation.

While waiting for the verdict, Michel Dussuyer thinks it is important for Benin to be present at CAN Cameroon 2021. “We were qualified for the CAN 2019 after 10 years of famine. It is therefore important that we continue this momentum. Not to be at CAN 2021, would be a stop. Then we will approach the qualifiers for the World Cup without pressure but with ambitions ”, did he declare.

Speaking of its workforce, for the French technician, Stéphane Sessegnon remains and remains for the time being the soul of the Benin team. "Stéphane Sessegnon is the soul of the team. It is essential on the pitch than in the locker room ", he said while continuing "Before the game against Nigeria, our internationals were stranded in France and we had to have solutions. This is why he is not summoned but has come as a special guest. I chat with him regularly. Even yesterday (Friday 17 avril), I got him on the phone and we talked about his future. It's not for me to say but in a few days, we will have the good news. After, it is still precious and it will still help us ”.

otherwise, according to Michel Dussuyer, Marcellin Koukpo, the CR Belouizdad player cannot play in midfield. "He can play in attack, on the side, his preferred position. He cannot evolve in the middle of the field ", He justifies himself before adding "He made a remarkable start to the season. Arrived in Algeria, he immediately marked his territory with goals and good performances. But he must have regularity in his performance. He has enormous potential and it’s up to him to be consistent ”. He did not conceal the situation of these two goalkeepers namely : Fabien Farnolle and Saturnin Allagbé. "I'm lucky to have two good goalies and each time, he shows me they can always help us. Fortunately Saturnin Allagbé is again titular in Dijon, and should remain number 1 until the end of the season. I now have a platform to follow Fabien in his championship and all Benin international matches, finally, the big matches ”, he confided.

On the question of why he does not summon Djiman Koukou, Red Star defensive midfielder, Michel Dussuyer answers : "I am all the players and even Djman Koukou. After in the middle, I have Adéoti, Sessi d´Almeida and Rodrigue Kossi, a young player who represents the future. So I need players with a different profile than his. That’s why I don’t call Djiman Koukou anymore ".

Regarding the young players who are at the door of the national team

The coach of the Ecureuils du Bénin said he has already made contact with the young prodigy from Caen, Andreas Hountondji. "I spoke with Andreas Hountondji. I told him about Benin, of our project. He's a young player and he even scored last weekend (of 11 avril) with Caen. I'm not going to put the cart before the horse, but the establishment of his passport is already underway ". So he spoke on Ange Tchibozo. "Yes I am Angel Tchibozo from Juventus. He is already playing in a big club and he has enormous potential. I am and we talk a lot. After because of the Covid, I couldn't travel to see him play because his championship was stopped. But soon I'll see it and we'll finally talk to each other and like I say, he has potential and he too represents the future ". Concerning Ryan Segou Adigo, he says "I'm in contact with Adigo. It's like Tchibozo. I am in contact with him and with his daddy. As I have said, it's very difficult to travel. I should go to Mönchengladbach to chat with him. But it will be ”.

Chances of seeing Colin Dagba and Koundé in Squirrels ?

"I spoke with Colin Dagba. It was clear to me that he has other challenges. First to start with PSG. Then he joined the France Espoir team. For the moment, he is not ready to join Benin but we have to be patient. Maybe he will come later and we will all be happy ", confided Michel Dussuyer.

Identical answer when talking about the Sevilla defender. “Koundé is a defender. I talked with him. He is not very talkative but made it clear to me that his dream is the France team. And there he progresses and gives himself the chance to be in the France team. His daddy is from Benin and he only came to Benin once he told me. After that we are not going to harass him to come and play for Benin. He wants the France team, it's his choice ".

Damien TOLOMISSI