Results, match content and the future of Burkina Faso's Etalons continue to agitate the sporting world. Asked by RTB to comment on the current form of the Etalons, Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traoré expressed his views on the matter with clarity, insight and lucid intelligence.
"We're not going to kid ourselves. At the moment, the team isn't in top form. When you look at the content of the games, we're not on a very good run. We need to question ourselves. As captain, I'm questioning myself (...) We've got to do everything we can to make sure we're ready with a competitive team for this AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire", confided Bertrand Traoré, commenting on the Etalons' latest results.
These comments have already given rise to debate in the media and on social networks. A majority of Burkina Faso Stallions fans feel that Bertrand Traoré's comments aptly describe the current state of affairs for Hubert Velud's protégés. For Boureima Dramé: "It was a very successful outing. The captain was clear about Hubert Velud's vain attempts to justify himself. Junior Compaoré: "A very fine analysis. At least Bertrand recognizes that things aren't going well, unlike others who say they're still in the learning phase. Aziz Hien: "It's the first time I've seen Bertrand Traoré tell the truth, even the journalists didn't dare".
Others believe that Bertrand Traoré's outburst reveals that there must be a problem within the Stallions squad.John Belem: "Listening to him, you can tell there's a problem within the group. That's something that doesn't surprise any Burkinabè, especially soccer fans. You can feel it, even if you don't say so. People have talked about it and continue to talk about it. And since the authorities concerned are just pretending, we're going to observe now and wait for the end". Jean Koala: "There must be something wrong inside the group. He just spoke in a parable".
Velud under fire
Following Bertrand Traoré's comments on the current form of the Etalons, Burkina Faso coach Hubert Velud finds himself in the middle of a storm of criticism. Until the situation settles down, according to Moussa Ouedraogo: "Bertrand Traoré's analysis is really perfect.I can see that the coach is not up to the job. It's better to find a solution in time before it becomes a case of doctor after death"."As far as I'm concerned, the problem with the Stallions right now is the coach. And who says coach, says who recruited him. Lazare Banssé came as president of the federation to kill Burkinabè soccer", reacts Soulama Djolo.
Velud throws blames
Following Bertrand Traoré's comments on the Etalons' current form, Burkina Faso coach Hubert Velud finds himself in the middle of a storm of criticism.Until the situation settles down, according to Moussa Ouedraogo: "Bertrand Traoré's analysis is really perfect. I can see that the coach is not up to the job. It's better to find a solution in time before it becomes a case of doctor after death"."As far as I'm concerned, the problem with the Stallions right now is the coach. And who says coach, says who recruited him. Lazare Banssé came as president of the federation to kill Burkinabè soccer", reacts Soulama Djolo.
Faced with criticism, some of the team's supporters and managers preferred to put things into perspective. They believe that Hubert Velud is not the problem. Such is the case of Siriki Sawadogo: "I'm not blaming the coach.It's more the Federation.If you can't find a formula for agreement between Burkinabè for the good of the country, there's no point. To err is human.Kamou Malo had a full team, only he missed his chance.What's more, this is his first Africa Cup of Nations. In soccer, failure is what counts. Some people used to say that he sold the match. What's in it for him? Before making a decision, you have to analyze the problem and its consequences. Leaving Malo after this great AFCON was a big mistake on the part of the Federation".
According to the former National Technical Director (DTN) of the Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF), Daouda Sanou, aka Famoso: "It's important to remember that victories are won through organization and when you grow in organization, you become almost invincible.Just as one swallow doesn't make a spring. The coach alone cannot win the AFCON .We need to move away from individual competence towards systemic competence (of the organizational system). The debate must focus on what kind of organization is needed to achieve success at the AFCON 2023? Now, if the organization found requires us to part with X or Y, then we'll do so with a very clear awareness of the advantages and disadvantages".
After five matches without a win, three draws and two defeats, French Etalons coach Hubert Velud was back in the spotlight during the FIFA window in October 2023. Velud and his team beat Mauritania 2-1 in a friendly on Tuesday. A result that will certainly do the coaching staff, who have come in for a lot of criticism in recent months, a lot of good.
