Michel Dussuyer, risky return to the head of Syli national?

Nine years later, Michel Dussuyer returns. For this unexpected comeback at the head of the national Syli, the French technician inherits a team in crisis and in the obligation to achieve results, particularly in this CAN 2025 qualifying campaign.

In relative anonymity since his departure from Benin in 2022, the 65-year-old Cannais decided to return to the forefront by responding to the call from the Guinean authorities who requested him in the face of the urgency of the results facing the Syli. And the calculation is quite simple for his third stint: 4 matches to get a ticket for CAN 2025.

Tight timing

If the Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) called on his services, it is because Michel Dussuyer knows the house well. Having been the coach of Syli National from 2002 to 2004 then from 2010 to 2015, the Frenchman returns to familiar territory. But for Guinea which lost its first two matches (1-2 against Tanzania and 1-0 against DR Congo), immediately relaunch this team which will have a third coach (Kaba Diawara and Charles Paquille) in the The space of three months is obviously not the easiest of the challenges he has faced as a coach.

In Guinea, opinions on his return are far from unanimous: “The return of the coach is very risky because you have to know that Guinea is in danger. We lost matches that we had to win and what remains to do for the coach is to win the two matches against Ethiopia”analyzes Fatoumata Djiwo Diallo, journalist for the daily Horoya, interviewed by Sport News Africa.

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For her, the situation of Syli in group H coupled with the absence of a stadium approved by CAF (Guinea will host Ethiopia in Ivory Coast), makes the task a little more complicated for Michel Dussuyer: “It is important to point out that we have some problems at the moment. It should be remembered that the team does not play at home, in front of its audience due to the lack of an approved stadium. Our senior players are not in good shape, and some are sidelined and therefore the public is not with these players”listed Diallo.

“If things go badly, he will leave with his money”

In the midst of this uncertainty, however, there is some optimism for qualification for CAN 2025: “It’s possible that he can turn the tide for qualification. As you know, football is never a foregone conclusion and with a few changes, it is still possible to hope even if it is hard. We still have matches to play so we believe in qualification”adds Fatoumata Diallo.

Furthermore, there are some who think that this return of Dussuyer is not risky to the extent that he did not ask to be named coach: “ Is Michel Dussuyer taking a risk by deciding to take the helm of Syli national? I don't believe, believes the distinguished Guinean journalist Tanou Diallo. I find that he was very honest, frank and sincere with the Guinean Football Federation, telling them clearly that he no longer had the energy necessary to lead a national team. Despite this, they forced his hand, and then he gave in. Even though he embarks on a difficult and complicated mission, he has virtually nothing to lose. He came out of retirement without really wanting to, or expressing the desire to embark on any adventure. If things go badly, he will leave with his money, where he came from. It is the Guinean Football Federation which will suffer the unfortunate consequences. »

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For him, taking six points against Ethiopia is imperative: “ It must be said that his mission promises to be arduous. After two days, Guinea occupies last place in its group with 0 points. The DRC, leader of the group, made 6/6. Tanzania is second with 3 points and Ethiopia is 3rd with one point. After losing 3 points at home, Guinea is obliged to take 6 points in its next double confrontation against Ethiopia to get back in the direction of travel while hoping that its direct competitor, Tanzania does not take points against the DRC. Since the return match in Dar-es-Salam risks being crucial for a possible qualification »he continued.

If he wishes – out of patriotism – to Michel Dussuyer to qualify Guinea for CAN 2025, realism makes Tanou Diallo doubt the Frenchman's abilities to take on this immense challenge given the very short time he will have. And it's not the latter's first list that will make him change his mind: “ We are in very complicated mathematical calculations, which also explains the complexity of the mission of Michel Dussuyer who inherits an unstable selection, lacking confidence and totally in the street. He has the difficult task of succeeding in remobilizing, motivating and restoring confidence. Although I wish him every success in this task, I have my doubts. Not only am I not reassured by some of his first choices, I also know that managing egos is not his strong point”added the CAF Media Officer.