Alain Giresse is determined not to repeat the past and lose against the Ivory Coast, as happened in the qualifiers for the 2013 African Cup of Nations. The French coach is putting in extensive effort to achieve success, employing individual messages to convey his strategy. Ahead of the Brazil 2014 World Cup play-off against Ivory Coast, Giresse shared serious advice with Senegal’s playmaker, Sadio Mané, who has taken the lessons to heart.
Mané expressed, “He’s someone with whom I talk a lot, and who gives me good advice. After each match, he tells me what I did well or badly and helps me improve. He pushes me to be more efficient because at the moment I am not as efficient as in the club. He also tells me to be more patient, more focused and to shoot on goal more often. But I accept the criticism. I am only 21 years old, and I still have a lot of work.”
With three goals in ten caps for the Lions of Teranga, Sadio Mané values the guidance and constructive criticism from Giresse. The team’s success against Ivory Coast would not only be a source of pride but also bring tangible rewards, as the government has announced a reward of 5 million CFA francs for each player if they emerge victorious against the Elephants.
