Frenchman Paul Le Guen, Oman’s coach, heartbroken for victims of Charlie Hedbo massacre in Paris
HEARTBROKEN Oman coach, Frenchman Paul Le Guen, expressed sorrow for the victims of Wednesday’s Charlie Hedbo massacre in Paris.
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HEARTBROKEN Oman coach, Frenchman Paul Le Guen, expressed sorrow for the victims of Wednesday’s Charlie Hedbo massacre in Paris.
Three terrorists opened fire at the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo, killing twelve, including staff cartoonists of the weekly satirical magazine on Wendesday.
“I want to say one word about what’s happening in France,’’ Le Guen said during an Asian Cup pre match press conference.
“I want to comfort some families in France who got involved in this drama and we feel very sad.
“We are in a state of shock with what’s happened.
“It’s something different I have many thoughts about my compatriots.”
But after paying respect to the victims of the Paris tragedy Le Guen believes his side may have a slight advantage over South Korea - if the 30C forecast temperature remains consistent at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
It’s the second Group A match after Australia hosts Kuwait in Melbourne in the Asian Cup opener on Friday night.
“We will take any advantage,’’ Le Guen said.
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“But it’s very odd, the weather changes very fast here (Canberra).
“For example yesterday after I went for a run after a training session and I said “oooff” it’s very hot.
“Today it’s a little bit less but if it’s hot we won’t complain believe me.”
After initially declaring Oman was an underdog Le Guen was quietly confident his side could cause major upsets by taking points off the Korea Republic before facing the Socceroos next week.
Oman shocked the Socceroos holding Australia to a 2-2 draw at Stadium Australia in March 2013, in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier when Le Guen was in charge, six months before Holger Osieck was fired.
But he lamented the fact Oman has 24 hours less to prepare for an important clash against Australia on January 13 in Sydney given the Socceroos faced Kuwait in the Asian Cup opener at AAMI Park on Friday.
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“Believe me I won’t start to complain it’s evidence,’’ Le Guen said.
“Australia has four days to recover we have three days and it’s good for Australia.
“We’ll do it I would have liked four days (rest) but we are not the host country so we can understand.”
Le Guen nonetheless wasn’t concerned about the lack of goal line technology or additional assistant referees at the Asian Cup.
Last year’s FIFA World Cup used goal line technology for the first time while additional assistant referees have been seen throughout Europe and at the recent FFA Cup.
Le Guen believes the lack of goal line resources should not invite trouble during the most important tournament in the Asian Football Confederation.
“No, no (trouble),’’ Le Guen said.
“I rely on good referees.”
Originally published as Frenchman Paul Le Guen, Oman’s coach, heartbroken for victims of Charlie Hedbo massacre in Paris
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