I can't satisfy 90 million people: Egypt coach Cuper defends 'defensive tactics'

Egypt will face-off against Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday

Ahram Online , Monday 30 Jan 2017,

Hector Cuper of Argentina, as he gives instructions to his players during a Greek league soccer match. (AP)

Egypt's Argentinean manager Hector Cuper has defended his defensive tactics at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, saying he is the only one responsible for the team's results.

"I can't satisfy 90 million [Egyptians], that's not football. In football the manager is the one who takes the responsibility," the 61-year-old tactician stated after Sunday's 1-0 tight win over Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Egypt made it through the semi-finals of the tournament, which they missed three successive times, with a clean sheet after four matches -- a draw in the opener against Mali and three 1-0 wins over Uganda and Ghana in the group stage, and Morocco in the quarterfinals.

"I'm the only one responsible. I don't mind selecting whoever you want me to select, but who is going to take the responsibility in the end?" Cuper asked reporters.

"We always look for the team's best interest, which is more important than the players, the formation and [even] myself," Cuper added.

The record holders of seven trophies will play Burkina Faso in Libreville on Wednesday, one day before the Ghana and Cameroon showdown in the same round.

Read the full Morocco-Egypt match review here

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

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