Cameroon coach Rigobert Song defends FA president Samuel Eto’o

The former Barcelona star who enjoys legendary status both in his native country and across the globe has come under criticism for his close proximity to the technical team and public outbursts when they underperform, which has been labelled by some as interference.

With the Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon very nearly getting booted out in the group stages after just one win in the three matches to finish runners up, Eto’o has again been vocal.

He was quoted this week questioning the commitment of some of the players before they beat The Gambia 3-2 in their final group match. 

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But Song told journalists ahead of his charges facing yet another mammoth task when they tackle Nigeria in the round of 16 at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan tonight that the head of the Cameroon Football Federation was well within his rights to demand a full report of their progress.

“He is the FA president and he is passionate about his job. You can see he is still passionate about football – there’s a difference and that needs to be understood. Sometimes it brings up confusion,” the coach explained.

“I have no issues with him asking me to report to him. I report to him, we need to understand this. We should avoid confusion. When we lose a game, I take responsibility. When I win I take responsibility. The president is doing his job as the boss of the federation. It is our duty to also give him feedback when he is asking questions. I do not see it as interference, I see it as passion for the country.”

Eto’o played 118 times for The Indomitable Lions, scoring 56 goals in a career that also included the formidable striker winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Cameroon. He held back tears when the current generation clawed their way from two goals down to win against The Gambia – a result that helped them qualify for the knockout phase.

The boss went to  celebrate in the dressing room and the images were captured all over social media, inviting both praise and questions.

It’s not unusual at the tournament to have FA presidents go to the change room.

“I have no issues with him coming to the dressing room, maybe it can help the players as he wants to pass a certain message as a legend who cares and at the same time as a president of the association,” Song quipped.

One of the players, forward Faris Moumbagna, backed comments by the coach at the same press conference. The Marseille striker was asked what he made of remarks about loyalty from the group.

“He said it in a way we understand – it’s about working as one, the players who were born in Cameroon and those who grew up in Europe. It’s the same blood and one unit – don’t misunderstand what he said,” Moumbagna explained.

Song was then quizzed on his own future as coach with his contract lapsing a month after the continental tournament.

“It’s a difficult question. I have a contract that I need to respect and I need to focus on my duties for now. But afterwards we will see what happens. For now I am focus on what I have to do,” was Song’s reply.