Cameroon midfielder Lauren has claimed that his team’s World Cup chances have been hampered by their « terrible » preparations.
The Arsenal player criticised the African champion’s organisation and the travel chaos that delayed the team’s arrival in Japan by five days. « The way we travelled here was terrible, » he said ahead of Cameroon’s second group E game against Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
« The way that we prepared wasn’t good enough for a tournament at the highest level like the World Cup. »
The 25-year-old said he did not yet want to apportion blame for the travel fiasco, which saw the squad delayed in both Paris and Thailand on their way out to the Far East.
But he hinted that the organisation supporting the side was not up to scratch.
« Around the team (it) is terrible.
« At the highest level you must prepare for the World Cup in a different way if you want to do something. It’s just not good enough.
« When we get to the end of this tournament we will say something, but not yet. »
Lauren added that the problems had brought the squad closer together.
But he warned that Saudi Arabia’s smarting pride after their 8-0 humiliation by Germany could make them dangerous opposition.
« It’s going to be difficult because they lost on Saturday, » he said. « If they lose they will go out. They need the points.
« It may be dangerous to play them now, they are on fire after losing 8-0. They want to show everybody they can win again. »
