Patrick Vieira lays down markers with Senegal, defence first and robust backing for veterans | OneFootball

Senegal beat Comoros 1-0 in a friendly at the Vélodrome on Sunday, giving new head coach Patrick Vieira a third straight clean sheet. It also felt like the moment he began to stamp his authority.

As reported by L'Équipe, his tone sharpened in the post-match press conference when a reporter described veterans Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa "Gana" Gueye as 'has been'. Vieira looked stunned, then moved quickly to defend them.

He argued both have written, and continue to write, Senegal’s history, insisting such language showed a lack of respect that he would not accept.

Pointing to their display that day, he challenged the premise, asking how anyone could see them through that label.

The win extended an encouraging start built on defensive order, and underlined a coach ready to protect his dressing room.

Source: L'Équipe

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