The recent match was part of APR FC’s preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season and the highly anticipated CAF Champions League. Despite concerns from some fans over the team's less-than-perfect results in friendlies, head coach Taleb emphasized his commitment to building a competitive, dominant team for future high-stakes challenges.
He explained, “Friendly games do not reflect the true essence of tournament matches. What matters most is that no players sustain injuries. The league kicks off in a month, and the Champions League is also on the horizon. These moments are for building; it’s not solely about winning."
Taleb laid out his international training strategy, focusing on crucial aspects such as physical fitness, technical skills, and tactical versatility. He remarked, “We need at least 40 days to prepare professionally. Right now, we are focusing on strength, speed, and enhancing individual player development. Next week, we will organize ourselves to play as a cohesive team capable of attacking effectively. I am confident that APR will be a very strong team in the next four weeks.”
During friendly matches, the coach rotations of players—including athletes like Pacifique and Dauda—were deliberate steps to identify players who align with his strategic gameplay. He clarified, "I have 22 players who all need to be ready to play. There are many games ahead: the league, the national cup, the Super Cup, and the Champions League. Everyone must have a chance to play."
The coach shared his satisfaction with the promising performances of new players such as William Togui and Memel Dao, even amidst the rigorous demands of preparation.
He shared, “William demonstrated great potential, and after a long period off the pitch due to an injury, he managed to play well. Dao is also performing promisingly, but we must acknowledge the intense training we’ve undertaken. Yesterday, before the match, we trained for three hours both in the morning and afternoon. This is how I prepare the team on an international level."
Addressing questions about APR FC's lack of decisive wins in friendly matches, Taleb underscored his focus on long-term success rather than immediate results.
He concluded, “If I prioritize winning these friendly games, I undermine the foundational training process. I’m not here to please people now only for us to struggle later. We may face frustrations now, but we will relish the rewards at the right time."