Despite Senegal’s impressive performance against Ivory Coast in the 2014 World Cup qualification match, coach Alain Giresse remains cautious and refuses to succumb to euphoria. He emphasizes that the success in one match does not guarantee an easy path in future competitions. Giresse sees the victory against Ivory Coast as a reference point but stresses the need for continuous improvement and rectification to progress.
He downplays any sense of guarantee, stating that high-level competitions, including the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, are never simple matches. Giresse maintains a focused and serious approach, highlighting that success in one match doesn’t automatically translate into prolonged success.
With a touch of humor, Giresse contrasts the team’s perception after the first leg with their current standing, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football. He concludes by acknowledging the importance of the defensive system implemented against Ivory Coast, designed to hinder their counterattacks, and commends the players for adhering to the strategy at the high level of competition. While the 2014 World Cup is a specific point in Giresse’s contract, he reiterates that the primary objective remains qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
