French manager Phillipe Troussier is on the verge of signing a contract as the new head coach of Benin’s national team.
According to sources, the representatives of the former Morocco coach have held advanced talks with Benin Football Federation (FBF) about a position as the head coach of all their national teams.
The 67-year-old will succeed Moussa Latoundji who is set to be shown the door following Squirrels’ loss to Madagascar and Mauritania in recent international friendlies.
“Officially, the FBF Exco will meet this week to make a final decision. Unofficially, the two parties have almost agreed,” the source revealed.
“If appointed, Troussier will supervise the coaches of all national sections, senior, junior and youth.”
Troussier has vast experience as a manager, having previously coached Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Japan Qatar and Morocco as national team head coach.
His most recent job was with Vietman Football Association where he served as their U-19 head coach, a position that he left in 2021.
Troussier is mostly remembered for his achievements as Japan national team coach, as in his four year tenure, the Japan National Team finished as runners-up at the FIFA Confederations Cup (2001) and won the AFC Asian Cup (2000).
He also served as the coach of the U-23 Japan National Team and U-20 Japan National Team.
In 1999 he led the Japanese U-20 side to the final of FIFA World Youth Championship (current FIFA U-20 World Cup) ,which was the first time that any Japan National Team including under-age categories reached the final in the FIFA Competitions, while also leading the U-23 side to the quarterfinals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
During his stay in Nigeria, Troussier earned the nickname the ‘white witch doctor’ due to his tactics and style of approach with the Super Eagles.
Not known for playing beautiful football, Troussier is certainly going to get you the maximum point even though he was axed from taking the team to the World Cup.
