The two friendly matches over, the national coach and his technical staff will focus on choosing the players to be called up for the World Cup. An exercise that promises to be difficult for the technician who believes he has a multitude of choices, as his group is full of talent.
“I didn’t sleep much, now I don’t sleep anymore,” declared the coach at a press conference following the draw (1-1) once morest Iran.
Aliou Cissé reacted to his selection criteria to compose his group for the World Cup. Of the 25 players present during the two games, 24 had playing time. For some, they have enough time to show their talent to the coach, for others, not. Aliou Cissé seems to have mastered the profile of the players called up perfectly. He praises their dedication to the National Team. ” It’s a wealth issue. I really liked the mentality and the work of the boys during this course. I really liked the volume of work. It increases a little more choice, a little more competition as far as I’m concerned.
“We will try to have a homogeneous, balanced group that lives well. It’s important to try to defend Senegal’s colors in the best possible way at the World Cup,” adds the technician who is regarding to play his second World Cup and is counting a lot on experience.
Can we expect new players? Aliou Cissé seems to be confident regarding the majority of players to be called up. ” But all the ones I’ve seen, who might I add? Some boys who are injured or who are not yet competitive like Edouard Mendy, (Moussa) Niakhate, Saliou Ciss, who will come to reinforce the choices at the end. I will try to sit down with all the staff to decide which group will go to the World Cup. But, in reality, in the group that I have, everyone deserves to be at the World Cup. I will make happy and unhappy people, but I have to make this choice,” said El Tactico.
Aliou Cissé only has a few days left to compose his group. He will have to compose a 26-day list and let FIFA know by November 13 at the latest.
wiwsport.com