Interview El Hadji Diouf: "Between Aliou Cisse and me …., Do not disturb Sadio Mane"

The former Senegalese international, known for his dribbling and changes of direction, has lost none of his talent. But his feints are more and more predictable. Like this one. We saw her coming. The day of Tabaski, the photo of El Hadji Diouf with Aliou Cisse around a table at Babacar Ngom, founder and president of the group Sedima, was on the net. This meeting seems to bear fruit. El Hadji Diouf, who is usually very critical of the national coach, changes his coat. He donned the jersey of national unity to plead the sacred union around Aliou Cisse. For him, criticism is the daily lot of all coaches.

"I think he (Aliou Cisse) has the shoulders and the head to be able to make his choices. He does not have a very easy job. It's like the President of the Republic or the mayor. They are criticized. But when we are in their shoes, will we do better? We want a united Senegal where people are together. Our role is to support the President, the mayors, the deputies, "he advises.

He decided to give all his support to the coach. "Aliou is a friend. It's true that at one point we did not agree. Now everything is back in order. We will see each other to help Senegalese football, "he promises. El Hadji Diouf attended Saturday the final of the cup of the mayor of the town of Tassette, Mamadou Thiaw, also executive secretary of the national program of local development (Pndl).

On the occasion, the former Senegalese international and double African gold balloon, in his rallying suit, returned to the dispute between Aliou Cisse, coach of the national team and Mayacine Mar, national technical director (Dtn), mentioned in the press after the evaluation meeting of Can 2019 held by the executive committee of the Senegalese Football Federation last September. "I have no comment to make. Time is at the rally. If there are quarrels, they must be stopped. These young people (Lions) do not need that. They need to be focused 'to achieve the goals. El Hadji Diouf will point out that Senegal's national team has a group that can help them win the African Cup. "But for the World Cup, we're not ready yet. That's why I say we have to go step by step. We have to win the Africa Cup first and then we will talk about the World Cup, "he recommends.

"Do not disturb Sadio Mane"

On another note, El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf, former Senegalese international, refrains from comparing his passage in Liverpool (England) with that of Sadio Mane. "We are not in comparisons. Sadio Mane is making his way. I am very happy for him. The problem is not who did better in the national team or in Liverpool. It should not be disturbed, "he says. For El Hadji Diouf, they are two different generations.

"I dreamed. Sadio is dreaming. What is important is to see a son of the country fun in life, give happiness to his country, "he said. He believes that Sadio Mane is one of the best players in the world. And if he is not among the top 10, it's because he's black. "Being African is a handicap. Instead of Sadio or Salah, I would not even look if I'm in the top 10 or top 100. The bottom line is to mark his time and he did it. People will judge. The most important thing is that he is happy to do what he wants to do, "he says. El Hadji Diouf confides that Sadio Mane has a bright future ahead of him. He encourages her to move forward with the national team. "The main thing is to encourage them. We have a very nice team. It will be necessary that everyone remains focused to earn titles, "he recommends.

IGFM