Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o has ripped into the Cameroon national team despite their win against Burundi in Dar es Salaam.
Lyon man Karl Toko Ekambi scored the winning goal as Cameroon recorded a narrow 1-0 victory in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying rounds.
After the game, the former striker now Cameroon FA President was visibly unhappy as he gave the squad a stern talking to in the dressing room.
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He was not happy with the team's performance and demanded major improvements and even threatened to play the children if they continue to put in disappointing performances.
Eto’o said: “I am not happy, I don’t care who you play against; you represent Cameroon.”
“I am not happy at all. In my time, I missed the World Cup in my time because I knew what problems I had. Those problems won’t repeat themselves while I’m president.”
“Places in this team will be earned. Nobody, I repeat, nobody, has a guaranteed place in this team.”
“You must do your job. Whoever comes here to wear this shirt must do the job, or else he goes and I will be happy to have the children play.”
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The four time Champions League winner vowed to provide the players with the best of conditions but demanded better performances from the players in return.
He continued: “I sat where you are years ago. I know some of you are thinking, ‘he is stupid’, but I tell you I was the best. I know why I failed.”
“I will give you everything, even my life, so that you will be in the best condition. I fight with everyone to put you in the best condition. You sit here and have no idea about the battles I fight for you.”
“When we come here, it’s about Cameroon, guys. There’s nothing more beautiful than Cameroon for me. I will give my life for my country. I have great regard for my country, and I shall arrive with or without you.”
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Eto’o then reminded the players that their place in the World Cup squad is not yet guaranteed.
He said: “If you want to be part of this journey, you must work. If it’s about what I saw out there, I’m not sure any of you will be on the list.”
“I need more because I dream of winning the World Cup. All the problems I had as a player won’t repeat themselves. The first objective is having a good hearted group. I failed because that was absent even though we had great players. When this group will be happy together we will win.”
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“Now, I don’t care! Whoever wants to come here will do so by the rules of the federation. Mind you, I have some ideas about football!”
Cameroon are drawn in Group G for the 2022 World Cup, alongside Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia.
Topics: Football, Samuel Etoo, Cameroon, Football World Cup, Africa Cup Of Nations
Marcus Chan