Lagos, May 24, 2024 (NAN) – Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has said that a misconception between him and his predecessor, Jose Peseiro, earned both of them a good relationship.
George, who stated this while responding to questions at a news conference on Friday in Lagos, said Peseiro thought I had come to take over his job as his assistant.
He said that he later formed a unique bond with the former coach, after which he (Paseiro) expressed desire to see him become the next coach of the Super Eagles.
”When I got the coaching job officially, Peseiro called to congratulate me. Our relationship was fantastic.
“When I joined the technical crew of the Super Eagles about two years ago, Peseiro did not know why I was there; he thought I was coming for his job.
“I continued to work with him. We became closer and when he left, he sent a message to me that he hoped that I will be the next man to handle Eagles.
“So when the announcement was made, he called to congratulate me and our relationship remains cordial till date, » he said.
George said that it was not compulsory for the head coach to totally agree with all the advice given by the assistant coaches, but the team was in unity of purpose.
“As our coach, we all gave him our support and definitely, he will not agree with everything we said, but we didn’t have any problems with formation.
“We started the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 4-3-3 formation, but after the Equatorial Guinea draw, we spoke and he decided to use three defenders and wing backs.
“The later formation worked for us till the final match that we lost to the host; there was no disagreement on the choice of players or formation.
“The 2023 AFCON was a fantastic tournament for us because nobody gave us a chance, but the boys did their best, » he said.
George assured that players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would get their chance to play for the Super Eagles.
“I have been the Coach of Enyimba International FC for about two years and working with the home-based players.
“We have lots of good players in the league, but they are not given the opportunity to come around to showcase what they have.
“I am a Nigerian and not a foreigner. I will have time to go around to watch the games, not as Enyimba International FC coach, but as the national team coach.
“I will give the home based players their time and their best time will be during the FIFA windows, where they will blend with their foreign based counterparts, » he said.
