Camara wants to coach Guinea

Camara spent 15 years with the national team

As speculation over the future of Guinea's national coach continues, former captain Titi Camara has said he wants the job.

Camara told Guineenews website that he would jump at the chance to succeed Patrice Neveu if the Frenchman were to quit or be sacked.

Camara retired after the 2004 Nations Cup where he helped the Syli Nationale to a quarter-final place.

He plans to return home "at the right time and under the right conditions."

Camara said: "My future is in Guinea where I call home. If I'm asked about coaching the national team, why not?

"But I'd like to work with competent and dedicated citizens. It's like a soldier going to war knowing that he's got to make a big sacrifice.

"Guineans speak to me about it [coaching] a lot and I find it very moving. They're excited about the prospect of me in charge."

Camara's chances of landing the job increased considerably at the weekend after reports linked Neveu to a lucrative post in the United Arab Emirates.

The Frenchman's contract expires in April 2006. Despite winning the recent Amilcar Cabral, Neveu remains unpopular largely due to Guinea's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Camara, meanwhile, has refused to be lured back to the national team by fans who want to see him play at the Nations Cup in Egypt.

"I decided before and after the Nations Cup in 2004 that I would retire," the 33-year-old said.

"One of my regrets is not to have won a trophy during my 15 years with the national team.

"But to win a trophy one has to have several factors working efficiently - competent officials, the right environment and diligent team-mates.

"I didn't have all those things during my career. So I wish the current generation the best of luck."