Exclusive interview – Patrice Neveu: Togo's project could attract several dual nationals

Exclusive

Patrice Neveu wants to attract dual nationals to Togo

Patrice Neveu/@kpakpatomedias

French coach Patrice Neveu has just been appointed as the new head coach of the Togo national team, the Eperviers.

At 71, the former AS Angoulême midfielder is taking charge of his sixth African national team, following previous stints with Niger (1999), Guinea (2004-2006), DR Congo (2008-2010), Mauritania (2012-2014), and Gabon (2019-2023).

The French tactician has also coached in North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt), notably with Association de Salé and Olympique de Médenine, as well as Ismaily and Smouha.

He also managed the Haitian national team, helping them qualify for the Copa América for the first time in their history during the centenary edition in 2016.

In addition, he coached French clubs early in his career, as well as Chinese sides Dalian Shide and Shanghai Liancheng in 2002.

Contacted by "Foot Africa," Patrice Neveu kindly agreed to answer questions from the editorial team.

What convinced you to take on the challenge with Togo?

The project immediately caught my interest. The idea is to work long-term to rebuild and reform the national team. Togo has a history in African football, notably with their participation in the 2006 World Cup. My role as an experienced coach is to bring the necessary elements to relaunch this team and restore their ambition.

What are your short- and medium-term objectives with the Eperviers?

Today, Togo is ranked 124th in the world. So first, we need to get results in the short term while building something solid for the future. The aim is to set up a clear and sustainable structure. We can take inspiration from examples like Mauritania (a team I coached from 2012 to 2014), who gradually built a competitive side thanks to solid foundations and youth development. The national team must be a showcase, able to convince and unite.

Is qualifying for AFCON 2027 your top priority?

It's obviously a priority, as it is for many African nations. The qualifiers are fiercely contested, all the more so as three teams are already automatically qualified for the tournament (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania), with only the group winners qualifying directly and playoffs for the runners-up. We will do everything to be competitive and fight for our chances until the end.

Do you plan to rejuvenate the squad or rely on the current core players?

I've just arrived and we haven't played any friendlies yet, so nothing is set in stone. Performance is key. The most in-form players will have their place, whether they're young or more experienced.

What style of play do you want to implement with Togo?

The style will depend above all on the profile of the players at our disposal. But there are essential values: collective discipline, organization, and a strong team spirit. These foundations are what make a team competitive.

Have you already identified dual nationals who could strengthen the squad?

Yes, there are players who could join the project. But the most important thing is to present them with a clear direction and a solid structure. Players have a very intense schedule with their clubs, sometimes playing every three days. So we need to show them that the national team is a serious and well-structured project.

Can you name names?

There's Lilian Brassier, the Stade Rennais defender, and Marvin Senaya, right-back for AJ Auxerre.

How does your past experience on the continent give you an advantage for success in Togo?

My experience in Africa is significant. I've worked with several national teams across the continent, which has given me a deep understanding of the realities of African football. This knowledge can be a real asset to help Togo progress and achieve its goals.