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Claude Le RoyFrench football player, coach
Date of Birth: 06.02.1948
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Coaching Career
- Success with Cameroon
- Coaching Senegal and Malaysia
- Return to Cameroon and World Cup Disappointment
- Coaching in Europe and Asia
- Success with Ghana and Oman
- Short Stints with Syria and Beyond
- Achievements
Early Coaching Career
Little is known about Le Roy's playing career. He began coaching immediately after retiring as a player, taking over his last club, Amiens, for three seasons. He then moved to Grenoble for another two years before embarking on an unsuccessful stint in the UAE.
Success with Cameroon
In 1985, Le Roy was appointed manager of Cameroon. Under his guidance, the "Indomitable Lions" reached the final of the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Egypt on penalties (5-4). In the following tournament, held in Morocco in 1988, Le Roy led Cameroon to victory. The final, like four years earlier, saw Cameroon defeat Nigeria 1-0, with Emmanuel Kunde scoring the winning goal.
Coaching Senegal and Malaysia
In 1989, Le Roy took charge of Senegal, which he helped to reach the quarterfinals of the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Senegal. Notably, Cameroon eliminated Le Roy's team from the competition, winning 1-0 on an 89th-minute goal from Ebongue.
After leaving Senegal, Le Roy spent a year coaching Malaysia, taking the "Tigers" to the first round of the 1994 Asian Games in Japan. He then joined the staff of Italian giants AC Milan before becoming sporting director of French club Paris Saint-Germain.
Return to Cameroon and World Cup Disappointment
In 1998, Cameroon qualified for the World Cup in France and invited Le Roy to manage the team during the tournament. Cameroon drew their opening match against Austria 1-1, conceding in stoppage time. Pierre Njanka scored for Cameroon. They then suffered a 0-3 defeat to Italy before drawing their final match with Chile 1-1, with Patrick Mboma scoring Cameroon's last goal at the tournament. Cameroon finished bottom of their group, and Le Roy resigned.
Coaching in Europe and Asia
From 1999 to 2004, Le Roy worked with lower-league clubs. He spent two years with French club Strasbourg, leading them to a ninth-place finish in the league. He then took charge of Chinese club Shaanxi Chanba, winning the Chinese First League silver medal in two years. In 2004, Le Roy joined English side Cambridge United, where he stated that he "helped a friend (later manager Herve Renard) more than anything, but we saved the club. With eight games to go they were 23rd, we finished 13th."
Success with Ghana and Oman
Le Roy led the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2004 to 2006 and then took charge of Ghana in 2006. In February 2008, he lifted Ghana to 14th place in the FIFA rankings, their highest position to date. However, he resigned from the role in May.
In July 2008, Le Roy was appointed manager of Oman, which was in need of an experienced coach following disappointing performances at the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup. Le Roy won the 19th Gulf Cup, held in Muscat, Oman, in January 2009. He extended his contract for four years during the tournament. However, in January 2011, Le Roy was sacked from his role as Oman manager after a poor performance at the latest Gulf Cup.
Short Stints with Syria and Beyond
On March 18, 2011, Le Roy was appointed head coach of the Syrian national team for a two-year period. However, he mutually terminated his contract with the Syrian Football Association on May 5, 2011.
Achievements
Shaanxi Chanba- Chinese First League Silver Medal: 2003
Cameroon
- Africa Cup of Nations Champion: 1988
- Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up: 1996
Oman
- Gulf Cup Champion: 2009
