Patrick Vieira says Senegal are making progress under his leadership but wants the Lions to become more effective in attack after their first training camp.
The Senegal coach was pleased with the team’s overall performance and praised the players for their discipline and ability to create opportunities, but believes there is still work to do in the final third.
Vieira’s assessment, reported by Senegal7, highlighted the progress Senegal have made in putting his tactical ideas into practice.
The Frenchman was particularly satisfied with the team’s collective organisation and commitment during the training camp.
However, Vieira believes Senegal must be more aggressive when they reach attacking areas and improve the way they use the opportunities they create.
He wants his players to adopt a more forward-thinking approach and show greater determination in the final third in order to penetrate dangerous areas.
Creating chances is not enough for Vieira. His immediate objective is for Senegal to turn those opportunities into goals.
The coach believes the players have already demonstrated the commitment required to begin building the foundations of his project with the national team.
The first training camp has therefore provided Vieira with an opportunity to assess the squad while working on the principles he wants Senegal to adopt.
Despite identifying areas that need improvement, his overall assessment of the Lions was positive.
Vieira’s focus now is on ensuring that the progress made in training is reflected in front of goal. Greater attacking efficiency will be central to his plans as Senegal continue to develop under his management.
The coach wants his players to be more direct when moving into advanced areas and to attack with greater aggression once they reach the final third.
That approach is intended to help Senegal make better use of the scoring opportunities they create.
Vieira’s comments also underline his belief that the team is beginning to understand and implement his game plan.
The players’ commitment during the first training camp has given the coach confidence that the foundations of his project are beginning to take shape.
Vieira was officially presented as Senegal coach by the Senegalese Football Federation in Dakar on 18 September 2026.
His immediate challenge is now to build on the positive aspects of the first camp while addressing the attacking shortcomings he identified.
For Vieira, the target is clear: Senegal must become more clinical and convert the chances they create.
