Aliou Cissé, the esteemed coach of the Senegal national team, has lauded the management prowess of Jean-Louis Gasset in nurturing the talents of Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, both summoned to represent Senegal against Gabon and Benin in Amiens, France.
In an eagerly anticipated announcement on Friday, Aliou Cissé unveiled the meticulously crafted list of 31 players for the Lions’ upcoming fixtures, marking their return to action since their elimination in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Notably, Cissé has retained the services of Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, who have been in scintillating form for Olympique de Marseille, experiencing a resurgence under the astute guidance of Jean-Louis Gasset, the former coach of the Ivory Coast national team.
Reflecting on the strategic approach to player management, Gasset recently revealed his admiration for Aliou Cissé, hailing Senegal as a standard-bearer of excellence in African football.
“The reference for me was Senegal. African champions, I know the coach. I wondered how he managed to succeed,” Gasset remarked. Delving into his observations of Senegal’s gameplay, Gasset emphasized the potential he discerned in Sarr and Ndiaye, acknowledging their meticulous scrutiny by coaching staff.
In a remarkable resurgence, Iliman Ndiaye has demonstrated his prowess with two crucial goals in his last six appearances for Marseille, doubling his tally from previous encounters.
Notably, Ndiaye’s flourishing performances have largely stemmed from his deployment in a central role, a tactical decision consistently implemented by Gasset.
This stark contrast to his positional utilization within the national team has prompted speculation regarding potential mismanagement, an assertion swiftly dismissed by Cissé.
In response to queries regarding Ndiaye’s role, Cissé emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Gasset’s strategies and the tactical directives employed by Senegal’s coaching staff, underscoring a cohesive approach to player development and utilization.
As Senegal prepares to embark on their forthcoming fixtures, the commendations from Cissé underscore a collaborative endeavor aimed at maximizing the potential of key talents, reflecting the meticulous planning and strategic foresight that underpin the Lions’ quest for success on the international stage.
