Marinica says has nothing to prove
Immediate-past Flames coach Mario Marinica, who has been appointed Liberia National Football Team coach, says he will have no point to prove when his new team faces Malawi in a 2026 World Cup qualifier later this year.
The Romanian, whose stint with the Flames ended unceremoniously in May last year, was unveiled as the Lone Stars gaffer on Monday.
In an interview on Monday, Marinica said he was excited with his prospective new job.
On whether his new job provides him an opportunity to prove a point, the coach chuckled and said: “I do not have to prove anything to anyone. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, it depends on how they look at the situation.”
He, however, said facing the Flames will have an emotional touch.
Said Marinica: “Absolutely! The team and the country that gave me a warm welcome and made me feel at home.
“But that’s the funny part of football, this time you are on the same side and the next you are competitors, but it doesn’t mean you become enemies
“I look forward to meeting so many good friends in Malawi, some are now temporary football competitors, but were companions when we wrote our piece of history at Afcon [2021 Africa Cup of Nations] for Malawi by qualifying for the knockout stage.”
He also played down suggestions that he will have an edge when the two teams meet considering that he knows the players.
“Football goes beyond that, it is down to tactics, approach and all that stuff,” said Marinica.
On the other hand, Marinica’s successor Patrick Mabedi said he was happy for his former boss securing a new job.
He said: “Actually I spoke to him a while ago and wished him well.”
On the prospects of facing him in September, the Flames mentor said: “That’s football for you. You can be in the same camp today and be in rival camps tomorrow, it’s part of the game.
“At the end of the day, we are professionals. It will be good to meet him on the touchline.”
Just like Marinica, Mabedi also played down the aspect of the Romanian having an edge, saying: “He might have the knowledge about the players, but things keep changing. The tactics, approach and fielding could be different.”
Marinica, who was fired after the Flames poor run in the 2023 Afcon qualifiers that culminated in a 4-0 home loss to Egypt’s Pharaohs, has been hired as the Lone Stars coach after a successful spell with his native Romania as an analyst during the 2024 Euro qualification campaign.
Romania topped Group I after six wins, four draws and no loss.
