Alain Giresse Voices Concerns Over AFCON 2015 Infrastructure
Senegal head coach Alain Giresse has once again raised concerns about the infrastructure and logistical organization ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. With the tournament just days away, the French tactician has openly expressed unease over the training and accommodation conditions his team will face.
Speaking in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Giresse stated:
“There will surely be organizational problems. One training ground on site, another an hour’s drive away—how are we going to manage? In terms of accommodation, we haven’t inherited the most pleasant hotel. That could play a role and upset the players’ morale. We’re heading into the unknown.”
The coach, who previously managed Gabon, acknowledged that while these circumstances are far from ideal, they will not be exclusive to Senegal:
“All the teams based there will have the same problems. It will be the same for those who will be in Ebebiyin.”
Giresse’s comments come as Senegal prepares for a challenging Group C campaign, dubbed the “group of death”, which includes Algeria, Ghana, and South Africa—three of the continent’s strongest sides.
With questions surrounding training logistics and player comfort, Giresse’s remarks underscore the concerns some teams have had since Equatorial Guinea stepped in last-minute to host the tournament, following Morocco’s withdrawal.
Despite the difficulties, Senegal is focused on achieving success on the pitch, where the margins will be slim in one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
