AFCON 2023: Gasset already knows his squad

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 2024 in Ivory Coast, is fast approaching. With eight months to go until their opening match, the Ivory Coast head coach has no time to dither. In an interview published on the Ivorian Football Federation website, he said he almost knows the group that will represent the national colours, while warning internationals who are in a difficult situation at their clubs.

"Let's say the squad is taking shape. We tried a lot of things during the four qualifying matchdays. We have three wins and a draw. Eight goals scored and two conceded. And given the two games we played in Yamoussoukro and Bouaké, in dress-rehearsal conditions, we can be optimistic. Yes, 80% of the squad is known, even though there will still be one or two new faces. The short-term future, that is, the next six months, will be decisive for the remaining 20%. We have a lot of players who are nearing the end of their contracts or out on loan. They need to make good decisions so they are in the best possible shape, so they are sharp at the right time. Game time is very important for the challenge ahead of us. In other words, the start of next season will be very important. We can also get some pleasant surprises from young players who are breaking through somewhere. The competition is in eight months, and we will build the best possible team to live up to the expectations of an entire country," said the French coach, in comments relayed by the FIF.

Sanh Séverin