World Cup 2010: Sol Bamba feels benefit of Eriksson's experience

Published on Friday 11 June 2010 20:40

HIBERNIAN defender Sol Bamba is enjoying the new Ivory Coast coaching regime under Sven-Goran Eriksson and believes his team are well prepared for their World Cup campaign, which begins against Portugal on Tuesday.

Bamba has been happy to see Eriksson put an emphasis on defence as begins to shape the team to his style, and the centre-half feels the African nation will benefit from their new manager's vast experience.

"Everything has gone very well so far," Bamba told The Hibernian Newsletter.

"We can see that he has a lot of experience because he is very calm, he knows what he wants and he knows what he is doing.

"I think the most important thing for him is for the team to be strong defensively. Every day, we work for 30-45 minutes on tactics with the back-four and centre midfield to make sure we are strong defensively.

"We want to play good football as well as a team. If we are strong defensively and don't make any mistakes then we can play our football.

"I think he (Eriksson) knew quite a lot about me before the World Cup. I've been lucky because he watched me when I played down in London against North Korea at QPR.

"I spoke to him for the first time after the game and then he sent somebody to watch me at Dundee (at Tannadice). So I think he knows everything about me and the rest of the team. I think that is the reason why I've been selected in the squad and now I've got a chance to play and show him what I can do."

Bamba's star team-mate Didier Drogba could still be declared fit for his team's opener against Portugal and Eriksson insists the final decision will be down to the player himself.

Drogba underwent surgery last weekend on a fractured arm sustained in the friendly against Japan last week, and there were fears the Chelsea striker would be ruled out of the showpiece event.

However, the 32-year-old is back in training with a light protective cast and Eriksson believes he could now feature against Portugal.

"I can't confirm that Didier Drogba will face Portugal, even though the recovery is going well," said the former England coach. "And I have certainly thought about putting in place a plan B. But the decision to play will depend on Didier himself and the specialists that are following him."

The Ivory Coast are seen as one of Africa's best hopes in the finals but have been drawn in the 'group of death' that includes Brazil and North Korea.

For news, reports and video from South Africa, visit scotsman.com/worldcup2010