Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberian champions FC Fassell have appointed Italian tactician Fabio Lopez as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Bosnian manager Amir Alagić after a poor start to the season.
The club confirmed on Monday that Lopez has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend, as part of efforts by the “Soccer Missionaries” to restore the pride and dominance that earned them the 2024/2025 league title.
During the unveiling ceremony, FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh welcomed Lopez warmly.
“Coach Fabio, you are welcome to Liberia,” Kuoh said. “We appreciate that you accepted this contract immediately because we want to restore dignity and pride to our club. Our form dipped over the past month, and the necessary pride that Liberians expect has wavered. We decided to act quickly.”
Kuoh stressed that Fassell’s identity is rooted in winning.
“We win it’s all that matters. We want to send that message back to our fans in Liberia, Africa, and beyond,” he added.
Lopez, who has managed clubs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, pledged to continue the champions’ winning tradition.
“Thank you to the president, the board, and the sports director for welcoming me. I accepted this challenge knowing I came to the reigning champions. My target is to play and win again and again,” Lopez said
He emphasized that Fassell must remain competitive and disciplined on and off the pitch.
“When you come to a club like Fassell, only winning matters. My mindset is ready for that,” he added.
Concrete Football, Not Philosophy
Lopez, known for his detail-oriented coaching, stressed practical, results-driven football over abstract ideas.
“I am not a philosopher I am a coach. Football philosophy doesn’t work for me. What works is concrete football,” he said.
He favors possession-based, intelligent play over “rugby-style kicking.”
“We have players capable of playing with the ball. We need to dominate while understanding the opponent in front of us,” he explained.
Focus on the Future
Asked about his predecessor, Lopez said, “I don’t want to dwell on the past. From the moment I signed the contract, my focus is the future. I will give my best, share my knowledge, and help the players improve.”
Lopez also revealed plans to develop players beyond Liberia.
“My contribution can include bringing some players abroad to improve individually. The club invests not only in winning but in players’ careers,” he said.
Under Lopez, FC Fassell fans can expect disciplined, intelligent football and renewed focus on sustained success as the Italian coach looks to maintain the club’s top-tier status in Liberian football.
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