Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting reveals in an interview he was not quite happy with the Cameroonian coach, António Conceição da Silva Oliveira. Present in the lineup of the Indomitable Lions this Saturday for the 3rd place match of the African Cup of Nations, the attacker then disappeared from the score sheet in the last minutes. A situation that intrigued more than one. At the end of the game, the Bayern Munich player confided in the press. He has refused to play and obviously no longer intends to do so under Antonio Conceiçao.
Journalist: Choupo-Moting, what is your reaction after tonight’s victory?
I am very happy. It was a difficult match, we saw it. For the Cameroonian people, it was necessary to seek this victory. We had to win this match to take this third place. I think all the Cameroonian people are happy. This is very important today. I am happy that the team was able to achieve such a match.
Journalist – Cameroon trailed 3-0, but managed to come back and win on penalties. What do you think made the difference in this match?
I think it’s the mind, the desire to really win for the country. The beginning was difficult, but afterwards the team was able to show a better face. I think the result tonight is to be credited with determination, the desire to give everything and that’s what they did on the pitch. Congratulations to the whole team.
Journalist – You were in Cameroon’s starting lineup, but a few minutes before the match, your name disappeared from the score sheet. What really happened?
In fact, I spoke with the coach. I told him that for the game, I didn’t feel good psychologically, because of everything that happened in the last few days. I am very disappointed and frustrated because I came to help the team win the AFCON. And I deserve respect. The coach, he showed me that he does not count 100% on me. I’ve been making that comment for a while, especially in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. To me, that’s a lack of respect.
Choupo-moting & Antonio(Cameroon coach) image from web
I had to tell him the truth. Not even being able to come into play in a difficult 120-minute match like the one against Egypt (in the semi-finals), for me it was not normal. It really hurt me. I told the coach that today, we had to win this match and to do so, we had to put players who are in the right mind. I was 100% with the team, but I couldn’t play.
Journalist – Will Choupo-Moting continue to defend the colours of Cameroon?
I love my country Cameroon. But I told the coach that with him, it’s difficult for me. I love playing in front of the Cameroonian public, I love representing the colors of Cameroon. But really, at some point, you just can’t keep your mouth shut. I am sad and disappointed for what happened. I respect the choices of the coach, but we must also respect the emotions of the players. I do not have a problem with my country Cameroon. But with this coach, it is no longer possible for me.