David Pagou defends his approach amid Cameroon criticism

David Pagou will not change his approach to Cameroon’s national team despite criticism of his work. The coach said he intends to continue developing the side according to his own footballing ideas, with no outside pressure altering the project.

The criticism followed Cameroon’s meeting with Congo in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Some supporters had already questioned Pagou’s selections, while others have described the team’s play as laboured and his tactical decisions as debatable. The coach, however, believes the progress made so far supports his direction.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game against Côte d’Ivoire, Pagou stressed that every coach brings a different method and identity. He said his staff had selected players suited to their project and that the current work represents a continuation of what he observed during his two years within the national-team setup.

Pagou, who guided a Cameroon club to the national title in 2020, is therefore backing consistency rather than a response to criticism. The Côte d’Ivoire fixture offers the next opportunity to strengthen the team and give substance to his plans, while the debate over his choices continues around the Indomitable Lions.