Senegal manager Aliou Cissé insists unpaid salaries since June will not disrupt preparations to defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown next month.
Last week domestic media revealed Cissé and his coaching staff’s loss of earnings from the Senegalese Football Federation stretching back six months.
With Cissé reportedly owed around $160,000 in unpaid wages approaching the January 9th opener against Zimbabwe, many observers expressed concerns.
But when quizzed regarding the financial problems, Cissé stressed sole focus on bringing AFCON glory back to Senegal.
“I really don’t want to talk about this!” stated Cissé. “I am focused on preparing to defend our African champion title.”
Appointed in 2015, Cissé has transformed Senegal into Africa’s highest-ranked side after ending their long wait for a maiden AFCON title in February.
Yet off-field administrative issues represent an unwelcome distraction ahead of the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast.
The news elicited widespread disbelief regarding the lack of respect shown to Cissé given his achievements and professional approach.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder clearly feels squad morale and cohesion overrides financial disputes.
By downplaying the non-payment of earnings, Cissé hopes to maintain harmony within the camp and rebuff potential upset.
With Liverpool’s Sadio Mané absent through injury, the Wolves forward perhaps recognises this AFCON defence requires increased mental strength.
That means no room for wage worries or administrative arguments when Cissé names his squad on Friday before heading to Ghana to begin camping next week.
