Head coach of the Cameroon national football team Rigobert Song has stood by Samuel Eto’o in the face of criticism from soccer commentators after Cameroon’s previous dismal showing.
The former Barcelona player has come under fire for entering the technical bench and blowing up in public when the squad doesn’t perform well, which is seen as encroachment.
Cameroon has had a poor run in the tournament’s group stage having survived elimination on the final day after recording one win in three matches beating Gambia 3-2.
Speaking to the media, Rigobert Song said Eto’o reaction has been misunderstood.
“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, “he explained.
“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,”
Meanwhile, the former Cameroon Captain also added that there is nothing wrong in the FA boss visiting the dressing room.
Eto’o AfCON all-time leading goal scorer.
“I have no issue 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 president of the Association, “said Song.
Before giving up playing for Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o had 118 appearances and scored 56 goals for the national team.
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With 18 goals, the former Inter Milan striker is the all-time top goal scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. He has competed in four World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations.
