Nicolas Pepe’s match-winning display against Curaçao may have stolen the headlines, but Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae believes the winger’s resurgence began long before his two goal heroics in Philadelphia.
Pepe struck twice in the Elephants’ 2-0 victory to secure Ivory Coast’s first ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, capping a remarkable turnaround for a player whose international future appeared uncertain after missing the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking after the historic win, Fae revealed that continuous communication and mutual honesty helped rebuild the relationship between player and coach following that difficult period.
“I think Nico’s story is behind us,” Fae told reporters.
“We have always communicated with Nico. Whether it was after the list for AFCON or after the competition, we have always been clear with him.
“We told him what it was. We always gave him the reasons. We always told him what we expected from him.”
Rather than allowing disappointment to create division, the Ivory Coast coach said both parties remained committed to working towards the same objective.
Former Arsenal player Nicolas Pepe scores his first World Cup goal for Ivory Coast. Photocredit: Reuters
Pepe opened the scoring inside seven minutes against Curaçao before adding a clinical second midway through the second half, taking his World Cup tally to two goals and firing Ivory Coast into the Round of 32.
For Fae, the transformation extends beyond the winger’s performances on the pitch.
“Today, we are happy to have the Nico that we always wanted,” the coach explained.
“I think that he also crossed a line in terms of the group, in terms of his experience and what he brings to this group.”
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While Pepe’s technical ability was never in doubt, Fae believes the former Arsenal forward has matured into a more complete figure within the national team setup.
“In terms of the field, we had no doubt about the fact that he could bring us, and that he would bring us,” Fae added.
“We are really happy to take advantage of his current form.”
Emerse Fae has revealed how honest conversations and Nicolas Pepe’s attitude helped revive the winger’s international career after his AFCON omission.
Pepe’s brace helped the Elephants finish second in Group E behind Germany, sealing their first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds after previous group-stage exits in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
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Fae’s side will head to Dallas aiming to extend their historic run when they face either France or Norway in the Round of 32.
