Giresse in U-turn over Gabon

Alain Giresse has decided to stay as the coach of Gabon

Frenchman Alain Giresse has changed his mind about quitting as the coach of Gabon's national team.

Originally Giresse quit last week over security fears in the wake of his side's 2-0 loss to Cameroon in the African Nations Championship.

"It's the government that made me stay," Giresse, who was named Gabon coach in March 2006, told Friday's edition of France Football magazine.

"It's a strong signal, a touching sign: the work I've done is appreciated. We'll finalise the contract."

On Sunday, Giresse said he had decided to quit the Gabon job over personal security fears following Gabon's defeat by Cameroon.

Gabon's loss, after having beaten Cameroon 2-1 in the first leg, means they will not play in the first African Nations championships in Ivory Coast next year.

But the former France international will now be in charge of Gabon as they play Libya, Ghana and Lesotho in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.