Africa-Press – Senegal. Senegal must, against Algeria and with a squad including players playing in the Saudi championship, once again prove its ability to beat big teams, said its national coach, Aliou Cissé, Friday in Dakar.
« It’s up to us to prove that we can beat Algeria by having players who play in the Saudi championship. I have no doubts about the way the boys are playing, » he assured.
Cissé gave assurances on the list of 25 players he selected for an international friendly match to be played against Algeria on September 12.
« The Saudi Arabian championship does not only concern Senegal, but the whole world. The Saudi championship is no longer what it was five or six years ago. It is developing, » he stressed.
« Some players told me of the wish they had to join this championship since June. I couldn’t stop them from making that choice. The only thing I wish them is to continue to shine and play every Saturday to remain competitive in the national team, » added the Senegal national coach.
Aliou Cissé spoke about Kalidou Koulibaly ( Al-Hilal Saudi FC), Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli FC), Habib Diallo (Al-Shabab FC) and Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr FC), four players playing in the Saudi championship and part of its list for the match against Algeria.
« I was criticized for having said, some time ago, that those who played in Saudi Arabia would not be called up for the national team. It’s another era […] I don’t regret having said that, commented Aliou Cissé.
« It was a sporting policy that we decided to make, » he added, speaking of the decision taken a few years ago not to bet on players pursuing their careers in Saudi Arabia.
The national coach of Senegal believes that “things have changed” in the meantime.
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