Soccer Laduma recently caught up Patrice Carteron, one of the most respected coaches on the African continent, following his exploits in Saudi Arabia to discuss facing Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, Pitso Mosimane and potentially coaching in South Africa one day.
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You were the first coach whose team played against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. What has he brought to Saudi football and how did you prepare your Ettifaq side?
Honestly, we were happy to face [Cristiano] Ronaldo for his first game. It means there is more and more money in this league. It's absolutely amazing the money that they are spending right now. We all know Saudi Arabia in the future want to organise the [FIFA] World Cup, so they just brought Ronaldo and it is only the first step, they will keep on doing it. When we did face Ronaldo, the players were so motivated that I didn't have to talk a lot. We lost only 1-0, we played a good game. It was a nice experience because the atmosphere with the fans was fantastic, so I did enjoy it.
Pitso Mosimane is now managing in Saudi Arabia as well. When you beat him with TP Mazembe a few years ago, did you imagine he would reach this level?
Yes, Mr. Mosimane was the head coach of a very big club in Mamelodi Sundowns. He had a fantastic team, a great president, it's a very strong team in Africa. After this he went to Al Ahly and did fantastic job also, and now he will put Al Ahli back into the [Saudi] Pro League so he's really a great coach and I want to congratulate him.
You managed both Al Ahly and Zamalek, in what ways are these clubs similar?
Al Ahly and Zamalek are totally different clubs. Al Ahly is completely organised, like the Bayern Munich of Africa, and Zamalek is a special club with a lot of passion, like the president. Anything can happen at this club [Zamalek]. They change a lot of coaches. Their strategies are totally different though. Al Ahly is organised and strong, and Zamalek is a really passionately led club.
Who are your favourites to win this season's CAF Champions League?
For me, this season I really feel that the three teams that can win the competition are Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Wydad [Casablanca]. One of those three teams will win the Champions League, in my opinion.
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You are now without a job. Would you be interested in a job in South Africa?
Yes, it is true that I am looking for a new challenge. I did receive an offer for next season, but I refused because I wanted to take some time off. To work in South Africa could be a fantastic opportunity. To be a coach in one of the countries I do appreciate most in African football, so it would be a fantastic experience, of course. I would be happy to have that kind of experience.
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