Papiss Demba Cissé, the Senegalese international and Newcastle striker, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the coach’s lineup during the match against Angola in the third day of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. According to reports, Cissé, who entered the game towards the end, allegedly uttered a strong expletive directed at coach Alain Giresse, conveying his displeasure.
The initial interpretation of the expletive was that it stemmed from Cissé’s frustration with the 1-1 draw. However, it was later revealed that the choice of words was a direct expression of the player’s dissatisfaction with Giresse’s decisions.
After the match, in the locker room, Cissé was reported to have criticized Giresse, questioning the starting lineup and referring to the tactics as “shitty.” The striker’s discontent with the coach’s decisions was apparent in his post-match comments, highlighting the tension within the team.
Despite the draw against Angola, Senegal managed to secure the top spot in Group J with 4 points, ahead of Liberia with the same point total but trailing on goal difference. The reported discontent within the team suggests potential challenges in player-coach dynamics that might need addressing for the team’s success in future matches.
