Former Cameroon Coach Marc Brys Breaks Silence After Dismissal, Says Eto’o Never Wanted Him

Former Indomitable Lions head coach Marc Brys has spoken publicly for the first time since his sudden dismissal, giving a clear account of his troubled relationship with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o.

Brys was removed from his position on Monday, shortly after Eto’o was re-elected as president of the Cameroon Football Federation. The Belgian coach, who was appointed by the Ministry of Sports, said the tension between him and Eto’o had existed from the very beginning.

In an open interview, Brys described the difficult atmosphere he faced:

“I have other ambitions than being constantly on edge. It’s too aggressive, too deceptive. I’ve had enough. There’s too much negativity to work properly.”

He claimed that Eto’o never accepted his appointment:

“Eto’o always tried to get rid of me as quickly as possible. From the first minute, he insulted me, and I reacted. I was too big a threat to him. It taught me a lesson. I recommend the experience to everyone, but it shouldn’t last too long.”

Brys said coaching Cameroon was a big challenge, but the hostility he met was unexpected:

“Either you’re afraid and don’t want to engage in this fight, or you see it as an enriching experience. Becoming the Cameroon national team coach was a challenge for me. We’ll see what the consequences are.”

Although FECAFOOT announced that he had been sacked, the Belgian coach insists that his contract is still valid:

“My contract runs until September. It’s a contract with the minister, and he hasn’t fired me.”

He ended by criticising the working environment:

“But all this secrecy, this pressure, and this sabotage… that is certainly not the intention.”

The dispute involving Brys, FECAFOOT, and the Ministry of Sports continues to stir debate in Cameroon, and more developments are expected in the coming days.