 Lemerre engineered Tunisia's first Nations Cup win |
The head of Tunisian football Hammouda Ben Hammar will have talks with Roger Lemerre this week in the hope of hammering out a new deal with the French coach. "There is a reciprocal respect between us," said Ben Hammar, president of the North African country's football federation.
"People were sceptical about his work after the 2002 World Cup but we discussed it with him.
"We knew he had a big dream and a great deal of experience."
Lemerre was hired by Tunisia just three months after presiding over France's disastrous World Cup campaign.
 |  It's satisfying to know that my work is recognised |
But on Saturday he became the first man to have coached European and African championship-winning teams when Tunisia beat Morocco 2-1 in the Nations Cup final. He had already led France to victory at Euro 2000.
Ben Hammar said there will be discussions as Tunisia now look ahead to their next challenge - the 2006 World Cup qualifiers which start in June.
There has been speculation over Lemerre's future with the team and doubts were not eased by Lemerre himself refusing to confirm if he planned to stay.
"I prefer to hear the president say he's happy with the work that has been done," said Lemerre.
"It's satisfying to know that my work is recognised."
Tunisia is a familiar place for Lemerre, having worked as coach of top club Esperance in 1983 and 1984.
MMIX
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