We`re heading for World Cup disaster, says Tunisia coach Michel (27.01.2002)
BAMAKO,
Tunisia coach Henri Michel has warned that his team are heading for a World Cup catastrophe unless they improve dramatically on the dismal form of their African Nations Cup campaign.
Tunisia, drawn against Japan, Russia, Belgium in this summer`s World Cup, were hoping to use Mali 2002 as a useful warm-up for the Korea-Japan extravaganza.
But the `Carthage Eagles` stand on the brink of first-phase elimination from the Nations Cup, bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches - and Michel believes that spells trouble.
"One point out from two matches, it`s bad," Michel said in the wake of Friday`s 1-0 defeat against bitter rivals Egypt.
"Most serious is the quality of football and the questions that other teams have asked of us.
"In attack we have several quality
players missing. But even so it`s the way we have carried ourselves that is a concern.
"When I see how we have performed, and that we`ll be going to the World Cup with this squad, I have to be worried," said the experienced Michel, who guided France to a World Cup semi-final spot in 1986.
"I`m sounding the alarm. If we carry on like this we will be courting catastrophe.p
"We have got a lot of work to do, on discipline and enthusiasm if we are to progress," added the Frenchman, who only took over as Tunisia coach late last year.
Tunisia face Senegal in their final Group D match on Thursday in Kayes, close to Mali`s border with Senegal, a match they must win to have any chance of progression.
"We will be practically playing in Senegal," said Michel. "But as long as we have another match there`s hope."
