Before taking the helm of the Ivorian national team, Emerse Faé enjoyed a remarkable playing career that could have led him to Olympique de Marseille while he was still playing for FC Nantes. However, the former midfielder declined the Marseille club’s offer. The reason? The coach at the time, José Anigo, reportedly asked him to reduce his participation in matches for the Elephants, the Côte d’Ivoire national team.
