Patrick Vieira rejects ‘has-been’ label for Senegal veterans Gueye and Koulibaly

Patrick Vieira condemned a journalist for describing Idrissa Gana Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly as “has-beens” after the pair helped Senegal beat Comoros 1-0 in a friendly at Marseille’s Velodrome on Sunday.

The Senegal manager reacted angrily during his post-match press conference when the players were mentioned in those terms, having both performed prominently in the narrow victory.

“That is disrespectful,” Vieira said, interrupting the journalist before he could finish his question.

“You should not repeat what is being said outside because it is disrespectful. We are talking about two players who have made, and continue to make, history for Senegal. We cannot use that kind of language; it is disrespectful.

“Even if people use those words outside, you as a journalist have a responsibility to change that term. We have just seen the match they played today, and you still consider them has-beens?”

The journalist attempted to explain his question but was interrupted again.

“It is not possible to repeat that term. It is disrespectful, it is not possible,” Vieira continued. “I do not accept that lack of respect towards these players, who are exemplary both on and off the pitch.”

The reporter replied that he did not personally regard either player as a has-been and had always defended them as a journalist. However, he said it was his role to report what he saw in relation to public opinion in Senegal and to ask questions about it.

As the exchange became more heated, Vieira suggested that the question should be put differently.

“I am not at war,” the journalist said.

“Neither am I at war,” Vieira replied. “I am making a point about something that is unacceptable.”

The tension eventually eased and the discussion returned to the footballing implications of the two players’ performances.

Asked whether Gueye and Koulibaly had changed the competition for places in the Senegal team, Vieira said healthy rivalry within the squad was beneficial.

Neither player started Senegal’s qualification matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Mozambique and Ethiopia on 25 and 29 September respectively. Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique before losing 1-0 to Ethiopia.

Vieira’s comments followed a match in which Gueye and Koulibaly demonstrated their continued importance to the national side, prompting the question about whether their displays had altered the balance of selection.