Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic and his Ivory Coast counterpart Henri Michel say they are unhappy at having to play the African Nations Cup just four months before the World Cup kicks off.

The Nations Cup runs from 20 January to 10 February in Egypt and several European club managers have expressed dismay at the idea of releasing players in mid-season.

Michel, who coached France at the 1986 World Cup finals, said he was worried about injuries and player fatigue.

"It really couldn't be at a worse time. We'll go out to do our best but we want to avoid a negative effect before the World Cup."

Ghana's Serbian coach Dujkovic said: "When I took up the job I was told the World Cup was the priority.

"Now we have to focus on the African Nations Cup. The schedule couldn't be more complicated."

But Roger Lemerre, who led France to the 2000 European Championship and Tunisia to the 2004 African title, was more philosophical.

"It's a major international tournament so we'll just have to go out and do our best," said the Frenchman who has also qualified the Carthage Eagles for Germany 2006.