His assertion came in response to a popular journalist’s question: “Coach, did you instruct your players to defend in numbers?” Keister’s response was clear and emphatic. He explained that he never intended for the team to adopt a defensive posture.
“As a coach, I constantly communicate with my players, and sometimes you, as journalists, might not fully grasp the challenges we face,” he said. “I tried to refocus them and called for some adjustments, which is why I brought in fresh legs.”
Despite the draw, Keister remains optimistic about his team’s potential to make necessary adjustments before the return leg in Ivory Coast. “We know that Wan Pedro is a new team, but they are very good,” he acknowledged. “However, I have faith in my squad. We simply failed to capitalize on our chances, and that’s something we will work on.”
Taking full responsibility for the draw, Keister reiterated the unpredictable nature of football. “In this game, anything can happen,” he stated. He remains confident in his ability to regroup and guide his team in overcoming the challenges ahead. The resilience and commitment to improvement showcased by Keister are indicative of a capable coach prepared to lead his squad to success in the upcoming matches.
By: Jida Kiz
General Coordinator and Head of Media and Communications,
Sierra-Leone.
