Senegal’s players take part in a training session at Al Duhail Sports Club.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has admitted it would be difficult for the Teranga Lions without inspirational captain Sadio Mane at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, having built the team around their ‘best’ player. Mane has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury; though he made the final 26-man list for the tournament, recent scans, however, revealed the forward would require surgery.
Cisse, who led the famous 2002 Senegal team to World Cup history noted the West Africans will try to cope with the loss with other players ready to step up.
“All coaches build teams around their best player. That is also the case for us,” Cisse told reporters yesterday ahead of their Group A opener against The Netherlands today.
“We also have a strong team, with experienced and young players ready to rise to the challenge. I am sure we have a strong enough team. There’s also a group with experienced players, with young players ready to step up. We’ve had to play matches before without Sadio Mane,” he added.
The 46-year-old coach said Mane’s absence is a ‘shame’ and a loss to the Senegalese people and the whole football family.
Senegal’s coach Aliou Cisse attends a press conference. AFP
“Yes of course, we are not just talking about Senegalese people but people around the world and the whole football family who is saddened by what has happened.
“He represents the African continent as well as Senegal. I have received phone calls from around the world saying they are saddened. It is sad for him. I hope he is back playing as soon as possible. We are praying for him.”
Cisse also stressed that Eduard Mendy will prove his worth in the tournament calling the Chelsea shot-stopper a “top-level goalkeeper.”
“He is one of the best in the world; that is still the case. I am sure he will prove in the World Cup he is one of those top goalkeepers.”
Midfielder Krepin Diatta added missing the leader undoubtedly affects the team morale, but the Teranga Lions are determined to “do what we can without him.”
“It is a big loss, but we show teamwork and are good together. I am sure we will get good results at this World Cup.”
Netherlands’ Teun Koopmeiners and Daley Blind with team-mates during a training session. REUTERS
Netherlands without Depay
On the other hand, Senegal’s opponents will also be without talisman Memphis Depay for the opener, coach Louis van Gaal said.
The Van Gaal said winning the first game would be important for his side but warned Senegal are no pushovers.
“The first match is always the most important, which sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. Senegal are African champions, and Depay is missing for us; Senegal has to grapple with Mane’s absence. The question is, how are both teams going to deal with that?” the 71-year-old said.
“I think at first glance that Senegal will be the toughest opponent. Qatar has had a long time to prepare, and Ecuador is a mystery because we weren’t sure they’ll participate.”
The Dutch side has been branded as one of football’s perennial underachievers due to their inability to dominate in international football. They missed the last World Cup in 2018, and their best have been back-to-back runners-up in 1974 and 1978. They finished fourth in 1998, runners-up in 2010 and managed third place in 2014.
Van Gaal said the quality of this group could drive the Dutch to World Cup glory.
“I believe this group of players are well connected and work together professionally, which will always contribute to success. They want to carry out what we plan on, and not every group want to execute.
Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk (right) and coach Louis Van Gaal. AFP
“This group is keen to execute. The 2014 group also wanted to, but the average quality from this group is higher.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk said the team remains focused on the target and is excited to get on with the tournament.
“Excited for the game, and we are looking forward to it. We trained hard, and we look forward to going out there. The last few days have passed slowly, but it’s good we are finally playing tomorrow (today).”
