The National Team Coach Fell Into a Trap of Contradictions and Disrespect Toward the Federal Office
La Presse — Sami Trabelsi did not prepare his press conference well. It was evident in the superficial content of his speech, but especially in his botched remarks about the senior A and A’ national teams, the federal office, and the naturalisation of certain Tunisian players. In short, a communication that diverged from the facts and even hinted at rather dangerous messages.
Trabelsi is not a good speaker, and he also tends to lose his temper. Nevertheless, as the national team coach he must weigh every word he says and avoid slipping into reckless statements.
What can be reproached?
First, an exaggerated ego when talking about the A’ squad that should compete in the Arab Nations Cup. It was Abdelhay Ben Soltane, assisted by Balbouli, who was supposed to lead that team and play a friendly against Egypt. Sami Trabelsi resurfaced and declared:
“I am the one who chose the A’ national team list; I am the one who will coach the team at the Arab Cup in Qatar.”
How can he manage that when the African Cup of Nations (CAN) starts only a few days later? Moreover, he should have said it with far more humility, especially toward Abdelhay Ben Soltane, to whom his comment was rather harsh.
Not His First Gaffe
Trabelsi is not new to blunders. He admitted that he held “prejudices” against several players and now claims that those are over. In addition, he attacked the issue of sporting nationality for players with a naïve, populist tone.
He lamented that other national teams try to recruit Tunisian players, even though FIFA does not forbid this; on the contrary, it facilitates changes of sporting nationality to allow players to represent another country.
“We have benefited from this rule recently to bring back Ismail Gharbi and many other players. Why then refuse this new rule of the game?”
Ignoring the Federal Office
Finally, Sami Trabelsi, perhaps unintentionally, snubbed the entire federal office. Out of respect for his employer—the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF)—he should not have said that he only recognises Houcine Jenayeh and Zyed Jaziri as his points of contact.
What about the other federation members, including the two who sit on the national team commission? Does he ignore them? Does he deny their legitimacy? Such behaviour is disrespectful coming from someone who knows the inner workings of the national selection.
Interference is indeed undesirable, but Trabelsi was appointed by an elected federal board that represents the clubs belonging to the FTF. He owes them far more respect.
Beyond the Pitch
A national coach is judged not only on the field but also on his communication and off‑field conduct. In this case, Trabelsi almost ruined everything in a hastily prepared press conference.
