Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté has called for patience as national team head coach Pape Thiaw embarks on a new era with the Lions.
Despite being without a club, Kouyaté remains an influential figure in the squad and has defended the manager against mounting criticism.
Addressing concerns over Senegal’s recent performances, the veteran insisted that modern football has become more competitive, warning against underestimating opponents.
“There are no small teams anymore. Sudan showed us that we must approach every match with full commitment, regardless of the opponent, the players, or the clubs they represent,” Kouyaté said.
Club Form vs. National Duty
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder emphasized the differences between club and international football, stating that success at the domestic level does not automatically translate to the national team.
“Playing for a club is not the same as representing your country. At club level, you can afford setbacks and still have chances to recover.
But in the national team, every match is a battle, and every point is crucial for qualification,” he explained.
With Pape Thiaw now leading the Senegalese squad, Kouyaté believes the coach deserves time to implement his ideas and shape the team.
“Pape Thiaw is here to continue the work. He knows the team well, but we must understand that football evolves.
It’s not just about the coach but also the players—both the experienced ones and the newcomers. We need to be patient. Why are we so quick to judge?” he questioned.
As scrutiny intensifies with each fixture, Kouyaté urged fans and analysts to support the team and allow the new coaching setup to establish itself.
