AFCON 2015 – Gourcuff on Senegal: “A formidable team”
At a press conference held Monday in the Media Room of Malabo Stadium, Algerian national coach Christian Gourcuff expressed strong respect for Senegal, Algeria’s opponent that evening in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
“We must be wary of them for several reasons,” he warned.
Gourcuff highlighted Senegal’s youthful talent and strong performances, both in the qualifiers and early in the tournament:
“This team is young and talented. It has shown since the qualifiers through the beginning of the competition that it is good and that it has the potential to meet the challenges.”
He went on to praise the quality of Senegal’s players, emphasizing their experience in top European leagues and their athletic abilities:
“This team has good players who play in big championships… in addition to enormous athletic qualities.”
Despite these compliments, Gourcuff was quick to defend his own squad:
“I reaffirm to you that they are a formidable team… but Algeria is also ready for this match and has prepared very well. Because it knows what awaits it to get through and that it will do everything to achieve it.”
A crucial match awaits, as both sides aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
