El Hadji Diouf denies Patrick Vieira rift ahead of Senegal’s AFCON qualifying opener

El Hadji Diouf has rejected reports of a dispute with new Senegal manager Patrick Vieira, saying claims of tension between the pair are damaging the country rather than either individual.

Posts circulating on social media in recent hours suggested that Diouf and Vieira had fallen out while Senegal’s national team was in Maputo, Mozambique, preparing for their next match. The former Senegal striker firmly denied the reports.

“I am currently in Addis Ababa and on my way to Maputo,” Diouf said, according to Senegalese website Seny Web. “Those who are saying these things do not intend to insult El Hadji Diouf or Patrick Vieira; they are insulting Senegal.”

Diouf appeared calm and smiling as he addressed the issue, stressing that Vieira had taken charge to work in a stable environment with the national-team players. He also made clear that he would not interfere with the French manager’s responsibilities.

“If there is something I do not like about Patrick Vieira, I will not talk about it at all. I will let him work,” said Diouf, a former Liverpool player.

“We have had many managers here and we did not always agree with them on certain matters, but no-one heard us speaking about those issues.

“So today will not be the time for us to do that.”

Diouf also delivered a direct message to Vieira, making clear that the new coach is welcome and urging him to concentrate on his work with the national side.

He called on Senegal’s players to focus collectively on their main objective, which he said was to win the match and continue moving forward.

Senegal are preparing to begin the Vieira era against Mozambique on Friday in the opening round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. They will then face Ethiopia next Tuesday in their second qualifying fixture.