Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has strongly defended Idrissa Gana Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly after the experienced pair returned to the starting line-up against Comoros.
Vieira rejected suggestions that the two senior members of the Senegal squad should be considered “has-beens”, insisting that their contribution to the national team deserves greater respect.
The comments came after Senegal’s friendly against Comoros, where both players started and demonstrated why Vieira continues to regard them as important members of his squad.
Gueye remained on the pitch for the entire match, while captain Koulibaly was substituted and received applause from supporters at the Cepac Vélodrome.
Their involvement came after both players had faced competition for starting places during Senegal’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Speaking after the game, Vieira reacted strongly to the suggestion that the veterans’ best days could be behind them.
“It’s disrespectful to the players we’re talking about. You shouldn’t repeat it. We’re talking about two players who have made and continue to make history for Senegal.
“We saw the match they played today. They are players on and off the field. It’s disrespectful and I don’t accept it,” protested the former midfielder.
Vieira also rebuked a journalist during the press conference following a question about Gueye and Koulibaly, describing the suggestion as “a lack of respect”.
The Senegal coach subsequently explained why the two players had not always been selected to start during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
According to Vieira, their changing roles have been influenced by competition within the squad rather than a lack of ability or importance.
The coach believes the Senegal squad contains players with different qualities, creating difficult decisions when selecting his starting XI.
For Vieira, Gueye and Koulibaly remain capable of making a meaningful contribution, with their performance against Comoros providing evidence that the experienced players still have the energy and quality required at international level.
“Based on their performance today, they demonstrated their experience and individual qualities, which they put at the service of the team.
“Selecting players is also about competition. The players are competing with each other, which makes it difficult for me to make my choices. We’re talking about two players who have been playing at a high level for years. If they’re here, it’s because they have qualities and values to bring to this squad.”
Gueye’s full-match involvement against Comoros was particularly notable, while Koulibaly’s substitution was followed by an encouraging response from the crowd at the Vélodrome.
