Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse: We're very proud to be representing African expertise at 2022 World Cup

Senegal will play their first Group A match against Netherlands this evening at 06:00pm at Al Thumama Stadium.

Talking to the media, CISSE says he is very proud to be representing Africa.

“I think that all the African teams who qualified for the tournament have coaches who are either former international players who played for their teams, or had a lot of experience of them. So, we're very proud to be representing "African expertise,” he said.

“And we're sending a strong message to other African coaches that African expertise counts for something now, to let them know that as an African coach you can rise to the very top level, in the same way as a European or South American coach, and we're really very, very proud of it,”

Cameroon Football Association President and former Cameroon Captain, Samuel Eto’o told them media that he will be expecting a World Cup African final. CISSE says it’s too early to think about winning the World Cup.

“What I like is that Sammy brings his optimism. What I also like about Sammy is his competitive side. I think we're both in agreement about that. It's too early to think about winning it. We know that all the matches will be difficult and it's important to prepare for them one after the other,”

Senegal are currently African Champions, having beat Egypt 4-2 in penalties to win the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon on 06 February 2022. CISSE says there are always nerves before starting a huge tournament but their goal is to stay humble and work hard.

“Well, it's my fifth competition, three African Cups of Nations and two World Cups. And as a player I also played in a World Cup. I think I'm the only African coach to have had that opportunity,” he said.

“So, in high-level football, you always feel nervous, you always feel the pressure, there are no certainties and that's also the beauty of the game. But that aside, it's also an opportunity. It's a privilege to be here and we're very happy to be here,” he added.

“It's up to us put in the work, without nerves, or hesitation, etc. We're confident. Our past gives us confidence. We are staying humble, as we always do, but we also have high hopes for this World Cup,”

The coach says he’s sad about Sadio Mane’s injury but acknowledges that his recovery is more important than playing in the World Cup.

“First of all, I'm sad. I'm sad for Sadio Mane on a personal level. But beyond the national team, his health is even more important. We can't hide how important Sadio Mane is for the Senegal national team,” CISSE explained.

“Most coaches have to build a team around their best players. Now we wish him a good recovery, to get well soon so he can keep doing his job as normal. Nevertheless, we have a group and are a collective, with both experienced and young players ready to take on the challenge.”