Duarte Says Ivory Coast Has Not Approached Him

Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte says Ivory Coast has not approached him for the vacant position at the Elephants.

Just recently, Ivory Coast parted ways with national team coach Ibrahim Camara after a series of poor results.

Several names have been linked with the job, the recent being that of former Tunisia head coach Ruud Krol who dropped his interest.

Separately, reports from other quarters indicate that former Burkina Faso coach Duarte had been approached by the Ivorian federation to take the coaching role.

Duarte, through his handler, has denied the talk that he has been approached for Elephants job.

“We have heard the rumours circulating all over, but the truth is our client (Duarte) has not yet been officially contacted by Ivorian federation. We don’t know what the Ivorian leaders intended to do,” his agent told Ivorian portal SportMania.Ci

However, the Duarte revealed he will not turn down a chance to return to Africa for a fourth stint if approached by FIF.

“It is his absolute wish to coach Ivory Coast. It’s is a great nation with great players and a well-organized federation,” his agent continued.

Ivory Coast will resume their Africa Cup of Nations 2021 qualifying campaign with a double-header against Madagascar in March.

The Elephants sit in the third position in Group K with three points, having won one and lost one in their two games.