The Head Coach of the Seychelles National team held a pre-match press conference in Abidjan ahead of the Ivory Coast – Seychelles match (World Cup 2026 Quals.). The coach addressed the media, sharing insights and discussing the team’s preparation for the upcoming game.
Interviewer: How do you plan to approach your duel with Côte d’Ivoire with a team that was put together a short time ago?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: We have already participated in the qualifiers for a World Cup. However, we have never won a match. Playing against Ivory Coast is historic for us. We approach this match with complete humility, knowing that regardless of the outcome, we will consider ourselves winners if we achieve the objectives set by our team, which we have already communicated.
Interviewer: What is ultimately your objective against Ivory Coast?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: Before any match, the goal for every team is to secure a victory. However, we are playing against Ivory Coast, and while it is not impossible, we approach the match with a level-headed mindset. Our main objective is to score a goal against Ivory Coast, but we have other objectives that we have extensively communicated. This is a new project with a young group. It’s important to have ambitions, but we also need to be realistic.
Interviewer: You traveled with a very young team. Is this match against Ivory Coast a kind of learning experience for you?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: Not necessarily. We also have older players who are based in Europe and have participated in various competitions. However, it is true that we have new talents who will gain experience from this match and understand the path Seychelles needs to take to reach the level of Côte d’Ivoire.
Interviewer: We have noticed some issues surrounding the national team in the Seychelles press. Some clubs refused to release players, and some players boycotted the national team. Could these problems disrupt your work with the team?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: I believe that all federations face problems with their national teams. Yes, we have encountered challenges with clubs holding control over players. However, we wanted to continue with this project. After these two matches, we will try to work with the teams and have individual conversations with the players. Every country aims to have a strong team for international competitions like the World Cup.
Interviewer: We also heard that you are uncertain about leading this team after the two matches, including the one against Ivory Coast and Kenya. Do you feel you are in the right position to work with this young team for an extended period and strengthen them for the future?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: I agree with you. We are currently under a temporary contract for these two matches. However, like any group, we intended to establish a long-term project. This team is formed to achieve our goals within two to four years. We will assess this aspect when we return. Ultimately, it will be the federation’s decision regarding who will continue with the team.
Interviewer: Tomorrow you play against Ivory Coast, a team that you respect. How will you approach this match against a team with such quality?
Coach Ralph Jean-Louis: We will decide on the game plan during tonight’s training session. As I mentioned earlier, this is a new project, and we cannot disclose all the information. We understand that playing against Ivory Coast on their home ground will be challenging. We anticipate difficulties, but we will remain focused on our objectives and strive to leave the match with our heads held high.
The Exciting Ivory Coast vs Seychelles Match Kicks off Tonight at 11PM – Watch Live on FIFA+
