Patrick Vieira says Senegal’s intense public scrutiny reflects the country’s ambition as he prepares the Lions for Sunday’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille.
Vieira was speaking after criticism of Senegal’s opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team took four points from away games against Mozambique and Ethiopia, but the manager accepts there is still work to do.
“High-level football demands high standards; that is part of everyday life,” Vieira said at his news conference. “We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We will be ready for the competition.”
The former France international also acknowledged the expectations surrounding the Senegal team and the widespread opinions about his decisions.
“Senegal’s strength, which can perhaps also be a weakness, is that there are 22 million coaches,” he said. “It is simply passion. There are 22 million people who want to see Senegal go as high as possible.”
Vieira believes that pressure is primarily evidence of the ambition attached to the national side.
“The pressure from the public is about having ambition,” he added. He said the squad was progressing despite the difficulties encountered during the opening fixtures.
“When I see the attitude of the players and the work they have put in, despite the difficulties we have had, I think we are on the right path,” Vieira said. He also insisted there was “zero doubt” about the coaching staff’s determination to meet expectations.
The match against Comoros will provide another opportunity for Vieira to develop his side while addressing the shortcomings identified in the first two competitive matches.
“We have to keep working. We need high standards, organisation and a playing philosophy,” he said. “We are putting all of that in place. When you work well, success comes naturally.”