Why I can’t work under  Rohr—Amuneke

Former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke has said he can never accept to work under Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, as his assistant, saying that he would be a big distraction to him.

As one of Nigeria’s most successful coaches, former Tanzania head coach Amunike is often linked to the Super Eagles’ top job as Rohr’s replacement.

But Rohr only agreed to another two-year deal early in the year and a new assistant appointed for him in former Everton defender Joseph Yobo.

Amuneke led the Golden Eaglets to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile and guided Tanzania to the 2019 Afcon after a lengthy absence.

read also:How Mourinho, Van Gaal, Robson influenced my coaching style – Amuneke

However, amid growing calls for Amuneke to join Rohr’s coaching staff, the 1994 African Player of the Year has rejected the idea insisting his presence could add unnecessary pressure on the German tactician.

When asked if he would consider being Rohr’s assistant, Amunike was quoted by soccernet.ng to have said: “No! Why? I have my principles. We are ready to serve our nation. But as individuals, we have our reputation to protect.

“If I come on board, I am a threat to Rohr. If I am here as an assistant, he will lose more concentration. He will think I am there to take his job. We have decided to give him the job, but let us support him.

“If Nigerians decide that Amunike, we need your service, I will be there. But it is not possible (to be Rohr’s assistant). What will I be saying? He has his own philosophy, I have mine.

“Nobody has ever told me to come and be an assistant coach, and if it’ll be, it is not possible, it will never be.”

Amunike, who is still searching for coaching opportunities in Spain, enjoyed a brilliant playing career lifting the Afcon with the Super Eagles in 1994 and winning the Olympics gold medal with Nigeria’s Dream Team two years later.