Finke zero to hero in Cameroon

Indomitable Lions’ coach Volker Finke has shrugged off being called “incompetent” by Roger Milla to earn the respect of the football legend and the squad he is taking to the World Cup.

Germany-based Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting calls the 66-year-old who took over the Indomitable Lions last year an “amazing coach”.

Mohammadou Idrissou, another Bundesliga striker, praises Finke for being “tactically adaptable, a great motivator and disciplinarian”.

“He emphasises pressing high up the field and the need for constant movement,” says Joel Matip, another Cameroonian playing top-flight football in Germany.

The warm comments contrast starkly with those made when Finke was placed in charge.

Milla dislikes foreigners coaching Cameroon.

“Appointing overseas coaches is a waste of precious foreign currency – local coaches should be in charge of the national team.

“Finke is incompetent,” Milla said when Finke became coach of the central African country.

Milla later changed his view of the man who guided Freiburg for 16 consecutive seasons, as Cameroon crushed Tunisia 4-1 in a play-off to clinch an African record seventh World Cup appearance.

Cameroon are in Group A at the World Cup with Brazil, Croatia and Mexico and Finke relishes the prospect of tackling the hosts despite it being the most difficult match.

“Playing Brazil in Brazil represents the chance of a lifetime,” he said.