Maher Kanzari Aims to Approach the Break with a Clear Mind, if Maintained
La Presse — After conceding a draw last week at Radès against the modest Stade Malien team, Maher Kanzari is more than ever under pressure, even if, officially, it is claimed that his departure is not on the agenda. However, the pressure from dissatisfied supporters (and there are many) is such that, in the long run, this scenario cannot be ruled out.
This additional pressure makes the coach's task even more difficult. And, to be honest, it's not just Maher Kanzari who will step onto the pitch of the November 11th national stadium this afternoon with enormous pressure on his shoulders. Florian Danho and Abdramane Konaté, who missed three beautiful scoring opportunities against Stade Malien, need to rectify the situation and deliver a great game this afternoon. In fact, all the players who will be lined up this afternoon, in the starting eleven or during the game, must give their all.
Leadership at Stake!
During the first day of the group stage, Petro Atlético went to Dar es Salam and won against Simba SC with a score of 1-0. A narrow victory, certainly, but it puts Petro Atlético at the top of the Group D standings. However, only two points separate the runner-up "sang et or" from the Angolan leader.
This means that if Espérance wins this afternoon, they will be propelled to the top of the standings with a one-point lead over their host. This is the only way for Maher Kanzari to silence his critics and convince the club's president, Hamdi Meddeb, to keep him despite the voices calling for his departure.
Kanzari will have to choose the right tactical scheme and make the necessary changes at the right time. This afternoon's game is difficult, even crucial, but not impossible to win. The outcome depends first and foremost on the performance of the players who will take to the pitch of the November 11th national stadium.
There's Florian Danho and Abdramane Konaté, who need to improve their game in the last 20 meters. Then, there's right-winger Kouceila Boualia, who has lost a lot of his spark lately, to the point where some supporters have started to regret the departure of South African Elias Mokwana, who was loaned to Saudi club Al-Hazem this season.
At the forefront of the attack, Achref Jabri has been given regular playing time, but he has not brought the expected added value as a substitute. He too needs to find his way back to the goal. In short, Espérance develops a lot of gameplay, and with abundance.
What's missing is the finish. It's enough to be effective in the last 30 meters to capitalize on the created opportunities. Finally, it's essential that the coach and players approach the match against Petro Luanda as the game of the season. This is a precious stimulus for a peaceful break.
