Radhi Jaidi has rebuffed speculation linking him with a move to become the new first-team coach of the Tunisia national team.
Alain Giresse was recently relieved of his duties as the African country’s boss, and as such, the hunt from The Tunisia Football Association to identify his successor has since been underway.
One of the options under consideration was believed to have been Jaidi, who represented Tunisia at international level between 1996 and 2006 as a central defender.
However, speaking to BBC Sport, the Southampton Under-23 coach was quick to dismiss the rumours, stating that he is happy to remain at the Premier League club.
He said:
I’m enjoying my time in Southampton. I’m looking forward to getting more knowledge from the number of experts in the club.
One day, though, Jaidi would be open to taking the reins of his national side. He said:
When my time comes, I will take it [the job].
Read Southampton’s verdict
This is really good news for the club. Jaidi has been working with our youngsters for a long time now, and it seems like the rapport between him and the players is strong.
Saints’ Under-23 side have looked promising in the early stages of the Premier League 2 campaign and will be hoping to continue their progression under the management of the 43-year-old.
Jaidi should certainly take Tunisia’s apparent interest as a compliment, particularly given that he does not possess any experience of working as a manager at senior level.
For Southampton, though, it is a big boost to hear that he remains committed to the cause and is determined to help the next generation of stars come through the academy and into the first team at St Mary’s.
