Former Super Eagles’ captain, Joseph Ikpo Yobo has promised that he will have cordial relationships with all coaches in the Nigerian national team, as he says he is heading into the squad’s technical crew as an assistant, hence his need to support everyone he meets there, megasportsarena.com reports.
While admitting that his first allegiance should be to the head coach, Gernot Rohr, Yobo assured that he will not have any conflict wth the Franco-German gaffer, who he says he has already contacted and they have held preliminary talks about his terms of reference in the crew.
He stressed that Rohr would be the one to call the shots all the way and assign the tasks that expected of him, but added that there is nothing unusual about having more than one or two assistant coaches in a team, for which he is determined to carry everyone along.
The former Michelin of Port Harcourt, Standard Liege of Belgium, Olympique Marseille of France, Everton and Norwich City of England as well as Fernebahce of Turkey attacker-turned-holding midfielder and central defender, added that he is eagerly looking forward to working with the Eagles’ present crop of young and talented players.
While emphasizing that he will also work hard to try and aid total development of the team, Yobo added that he intends to add all levels of the experience he has gained on and off the pitch in several years of being involved in the round leather game, and believes he will also learn a lot more from Rohr.
Although he refused to disclose details of his contract, Yobo simply admitted he is yet to get a coaching certificate, but reckoned that learning about football also comes from mixing with people, visiting places and studying documents, which he says he has done over time, hence his verdict that he will be able to contribute immensely in further development of the Eagles.
Yobo submitted: “My desire to get into coaching was based on the accolade I got as a football pundit in the Champions Leagues games on television. You will understand that in the aspect of coaching, there are courses you must be there physically to do.
“I don’t think I will have any issue with the present Eagles team even though the only player in that team I played with for a long time is Ahmed Musa, while I spent a short time with Kenneth Omeruo. With the level of our discussions, I believe we will have a cordial working relationship.
“I have not met the Eagles coach personally, but I believe he is a good coach. Every national team has five assistants working with the team, but in our case Rohr will determine the role he wants me to play in the team.
“I only watch the Eagles from far like every other Nigerian, but when I get working with the players closely, I will know how to relate with them to bring more unity to the side. The COVID-19 lockdown has affected my plans, but there are courses that I am running on line.”
