Pape Gueye stands by decision to step away from Senegal

Pape Gueye says he does not regret announcing that he would stop playing for Senegal while the previous coaching staff remained in charge.

The midfielder made the comments at a news conference in Marseille on Saturday, alongside head coach Patrick Vieira, on the eve of Senegal’s friendly against Comoros.

Gueye was asked about his reaction after Senegal were eliminated by Belgium in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Following that defeat, he said he would no longer represent his country until the former staff had left, while indicating he would later explain the reasons behind his decision.

A change in the coaching set-up has since seen Gueye return to the Senegal squad, but the player insists he continues to stand by the position he took.

“I think you have the answer to your question,” Gueye said. “It was a position I took, one that I was going to stand by, and I am happy to be here.

“I will do my best to help this team; that is the most important thing. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to talk about it, but that is not the most important thing today.”

Gueye said his attention is now on working with Vieira and helping to develop the new Senegal team.

“As the coach said, there is a new staff here,” he added. “We are working well and everyone is listening in training.

“We are trying to put everything in place to follow what the coach is asking.”