Nantes boss namechecks Liverpool manager Klopp as he confirms Simon can play at AFCON

Published: December 16, 2021

Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré has provided an update on his African players ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations that Super Eagles fans are going to love.

Europe's top clubs are threatening not to release their players for the tournament in Cameroon over fears surrounding Covid-19 health protocols.

Kombouaré considers it impossible to stop his players from traveling to Africa to represent their nations, meaning Super Eagles winger Moses Simon will be released to the Nigeria Football Federation in the coming days.

The Frenchman does not believe Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would be able to retain the services of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane during the Africa Cup of Nations.

"It's impossible, you have to explain to me how they are doing. These are FIFA dates," Kombouaré said at a press conference according to RMC Sport.

"I want to see if in the Premier League they will succeed in keeping Salah and Mané. Afterwards Jürgen Klopp will give me the recipe".

Kombouaré confirmed that he will not be able to count on the likes of Moses Simon and Kalifa Coulibaly after the winter break.

"I do not want to give myself false joy. For me, all our Africans go to the AFCON. I do as if they won't be there when we resume. "

The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to hold in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

Igho Kingsley

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