Alain Giresse takes trip to Tripoli

Former French midfield great Alain Giresse paid a visit to Tripoli on Wednesday to look into whether the living and working conditions would suit him after being offered the post of Libya coach, the AFP reported on Wednesday.

“I have come to Libya to discover the work conditions and the lifestyle,” Giresse said while adding that he had made no decision over a one year contract offered by the Libyan football federation.

“I have to know the conditions, what the state of football is here and what are the championships that are being played or not played. These are the elements necessary to complete the work,” he said.

When asked if a deal might be signed before he leaves the capital on Thursday he replied: “Everything in its own time. I must complete my visit to know all the conditions before taking a decison.”

“Everything in its own time. I must complete my visit to know all the conditions before taking a decison” French great Alain Giresse

The deal which reportedly is close to completion is set to offer the former France international $33,000 a month but specified that “qualification for the 2014 World Cup is an obligatory condition for the contract to be renewed”.

Current head coach Abdulhafid Arbich, who failed to guide the team past Algeria in 2013 African Nations Cup qualifying, is touted to be kept on as an assistant coach to Giresse, the federation confirmed.

Giresse, 60, has had a less successful career as a coach than as a player.

Despite his small physique he was one of the finest midfielders of his generation forming a legendary partnership with Michel Platini and Jean Tigana.

That trio were the creative force in the sides that reached the 1982 and 1986 World Cup semi-finals and won the 1984 European Championship – he scored six goals in 47 appearances.

A well-known figure in Africa, he has coached Georgia, Gabon and Mali as well as spells with Toulouse, Paris Saint-Germain and FAR Rabat of Morocco. His best showing as an international coach was guiding Mali to third place at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations that was won by Zambia.