AFCON 2021: Choupo Moting Threatens To Quit If Coach Conceiçao Stays

Bayern Munich star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has hinted at an abrupt end to his national team days, if coach Conceiçao continues as Indomitable Lions coach.

Conceiçao and Choupo-Moting have not been in best terms since the start of the 2021 AFCON, especially with Choupo supposedly not getting enough game time.

The former PSG man was left fuming, after he missed out on the Lions’ semi — finals clash against Egypt on Thursday.

Choupo wanted to play so bad, that he went and did a descent warm up without any signal from the bench, and then, he asked if he could make his way in, which was ignored by Conceiçao.

Quizzed about his decision to keep Choupo out in that game, Conceiçao told reporters that there was no problem at all, as he and Choupo had a close and professional relationship.

Hours after, contrary to what Conceiçao had said, Choupo’s camp aired on Diaspora News, indicating: The player’s entourage had conversed and he will not be available for further selections, if Conceiçao doesn’t quit as national team coach.

In the wake of tension, Choupo Moting was handed the armband and a starters role in Cameroon’s third place playoff game against Burkina Faso.

The later as per the Lions team press officer was replaced by Bassogog due to last minute injury, but, according to sportsglitz.net sources, Choupo had blatantly pulled out of the match.

After Cameroon’s 5-3 win on penalties, Choupo Moting came out clear with his own side of the story, at the mixt zone.

Question: You were in the Cameroonian starters list, but a few minutes before the match, your name disappeared from the sheets. What really happened?

Response

In fact I spoke with the coach. I told him that for the game, I didn’t feel good psychologically, because of everything that happened in the last few days. I am very disappointed and frustrated because I came to help the team win the AFCON. And I deserve respect. The coach showed me that he does not count 100% on me. I’ve been making that comment for a while, especially in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. To me, that’s a lack of respect._ “I had to tell him the truth. Not even being able to come into play in a difficult 120-minute match like the one against Egypt (in the semi-finals, for me it was not normal. It really hurts me. I told the coach that today, we had to win this match and to do so, we had to put players who are in the right mind. I was 100% with the team, but I couldn’t play.

Question: Will Choupo-Moting continue to defend the colors of Cameroon? _

Response

I love my country Cameroon. But I told the coach that with him, it’s difficult for me. I love playing in front of the Cameroonian public, I love representing the colors of Cameroon. But really, at some point, you just can’t keep your mouth shut. I am sad and disappointed for what happened. I respect the choices of the coach, but we must also respect the emotions of the players. I do not have a problem with my country Cameroon. But with this coach, it is no longer possible for me. Choupo ended.

Choupo, 32, could be seen discussing with FECAFOOT president – Samuel Eto’o – after Cameroon won bronze medal on Saturday. It is left to be seen if the FECAFOOT bureau will stick to Conceiçao, or side with the player.