Indomitable Lions captain, Rigobert Song says the Lions’ World Cup preparation plans respect international norms and should enable them attain their World Cup objectives.
However, he prays that injuries like those holding back Lauren Etame and Patrick Mboma do not frustrate them.
While negotiating with Bayern Munich, Song says he wants to stay and play in Germany where he is greatly appreciated. And never wants to return to West Ham in England where he still has two contractual years to go.
What can you say about the state reception president Paul Biya offered the Lions?
It was very touching, it gives us extra-motivation to achieve much in the World Cup. It’s the necessary push for the best to come out of the players.
And also for the youths of Cameroon to copy the good example.
What do you think you can achieve during the World Cup?
I think we have two objectives. First cross the first round, before looking ahead for a performance better than that of 1990.
We should not dance faster than the music. In two World Cup finals we have not gone beyond the first round. We have to clean that image first before the next step.
And I think we have the means to get a great World Cup in Korea and Japan.
The quality, talents, will, enthusiasm are the means. Even those who work behind the scenes like the managers are ready to provide more means for us to succeed.
Do you think your World Cup preparation programme will enable you achieve your goals?
We are within the international norms of preparing for the World Cup. Before going to Mali 2002 recently, we were made to believe that we were not respecting the norms of preparing a team for a big event. That did not stop us from winning the trophy.
But now I think we are abundantly within the norms to prepare for the World Cup. We are aware of the task ahead. We’ll try to win the warm-up games and go into camp when the moment comes. This will enable us firmly concentrate on the World Cup.
However, we have to stay, together, play together to get the machine well tuned. Injuries like that of Lauren Etame and Patrick should not shatter our plans and objectives.
How do you perceive the opponents of Cameroon in the World Cup?
Candidly, I don’t know much about them yet. But I think they are solid. It will not be easy. It’s true that I play now in Germany and at least have an idea of how they will take on us. However the most important thing is that we have to be fully ready for the World Cup.
About your personal career, what happens in May when your loan agreement ends with FC Koln?
My aim of going to Koln was to be able to play regularly. It’s happening as I wanted and I’m happy for that. Even if the club is not successful as I would have liked. (FC Koln are relegation threatened).
Before the World Cup, I will be certain on my new club. Many clubs are already interested in me. I am taking time to study the proposals before making a choice.
We know Bayern Munich are interested in you. What level are the negotiations?
Yeah, I’m in contact with Bayern. I am flattered by their interest in me because Bayern are world giants.
We are still talking. But remember I still belong to West Ham in the English premiership. With two years of contract left. This too has to be taken into consideration during negotiation.
So you can return to West Ham?
No, no, no!!! I don’t think the condition under which I lived there has suddenly changed. I prefer staying in Germany. It’s football corresponds to my style. I’m highly appreciated there. That’s where I should stay and play.
