Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye says he has no regrets about the decision he made after the World Cup, despite returning to the national team following a change in coaching staff.
Gueye addressed the issue during a press conference in Marseille on Saturday, alongside Senegal coach Patrick Vieira, ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Comoros.
The midfielder had previously announced that he would not play for Senegal while the previous coaching staff remained in charge.
He also indicated at the time that he would explain the reasons behind his decision at a later stage.
With the coaching staff now changed, Gueye has returned to the Lions of Teranga and is once again part of the national team setup.
Asked about his comments following Senegal’s elimination from the World Cup at the round of 32 stage against Belgium, Gueye made it clear that he continues to stand by the position he took at the time.
“I think you have the answer to your question. It’s a position I took, one I was going to stand by, and I’m happy to be here. I’m going to do my best to help this team, that’s the most important thing. Maybe there will be an opportunity to talk about it, but that’s not the most important thing today ,” he explained.
Gueye’s return comes as Senegal begin a new chapter under Vieira and his coaching staff.
Rather than focusing on the circumstances surrounding his previous decision, the midfielder says his priority is now helping the team adapt to the new management and implementing the coach’s ideas.
“As the coach said, there is a new staff here. We are working well, everyone is listening in training. We are trying to put everything in place to respect what the coach asks ,” he explained.
Gueye had stepped away from international duty following Senegal’s World Cup exit, saying he would remain unavailable while Pape Thiaw’s coaching staff was in place.
The change at the top has now opened the door for his return, and he has rejoined a squad preparing for the next stage of Senegal’s international campaign.
The midfielder was again asked about his post-World Cup statement during the press conference, but he chose not to go into further detail about the reasons behind his decision.
“I think you have the answer to your question. It’s a position I took, that I was going to stand by, and I’m happy to be here. I’m going to do my best to help this team, that’s the most important thing.
Maybe there will be an opportunity to talk about it, but that’s not the most important thing today. There’s a new staff in place, we’re working well, and everyone is listening at training.”
Gueye’s focus is now firmly on his return to the national team and the work being done under Vieira.
Senegal have already begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and are using the international break to continue developing under their new coach.
The friendly against Comoros in Marseille provides another opportunity for Vieira to assess his squad and work on his plans.
For Gueye, it also represents a fresh start with the national team after his period away.
