The French coach of the Mourabitounes is taking responsibility for recent setbacks.
After four months as manager of the Mauritanian football team and a string of defeats, Patrice Neveu is defending his record before critics.
Speaking at a May 31st press conference at the headquarters of the Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM), Neveu made no excuses. "I take full responsibility for this run of setbacks," he said, dismissing rumours that his choices of players had been meddled with.
"There has never been any interference with the list because I alone am responsible for it," he said. Neveu also stated that he was "working with complete freedom and in harmony with the federation".
He categorically stated that he has "not been put under any pressure by those in charge of the federation", at the same time taking responsibility for the decisions already made with regard to the friendlies against Egypt and Iran.
As for the team's successive defeats at the hands of Iraqi, Kurdistan and Indonesia at the al-Nakba tournament in Palestine, he pointed to the special visa requirements which had caused him to lose several players.
Overall, Neveu gave a positive assessment of his first four months in charge and pointed out that he was busy putting together national teams in several different categories - senior, junior and youth. He said that he has now had an opportunity to watch the players in the semi-professional league and decide which ones are good enough to play for the national team.
He added his goals for the team include qualifying for the African Nations Championship, the final stages of which will take place in South Africa. He also revealed that he has identified ten Mauritanian professionals playing in Europe who are ready to join the squad.
Neveu also told journalists that he completed his preparations for the next few months by putting together a list of 24 players which will soon be published. A training session behind closed doors will be held from July 25th to August 13th, and another training session will be held in September, he announced.
For the upcoming matches, Neveu said that his goal was to get the team ready with local talent before the African Nations Championship qualifiers begin in December.
"The rebuilding process will take time and certain steps have to be followed," Neveu pointed out, asking journalists to be patient and support the development of Mauritanian football. "We are in the process of rebuilding and that takes time," he added.
Finally, he praised the improvements made by some players and said that places on the national team will remain open to any players who distinguish themselves in the meantime.
© Magharebia.com 2012
