Sporting coach hints at key player exit | OneFootball

Alain Gouaméné, goalkeeper coach of the Ivory Coast national team, had high praise for Ousmane Diomande. While this is good news for the player, who continues to fight for a call-up to the AFCON, the same cannot be said for Sporting, as he assured that the ‘number 26’ should leave the Lions “soon.”

“He was 12 years old when I met him. He played for CS Abobo before leaving for Europe. I wasn’t part of that club, but I regularly watched the youth team games and gave advice to the president. I have an excellent impression of Ousmane. He is a very well-mannered, respectful, and shy young man. He doesn’t open up much. He is also ambitious, hardworking, and very professional,” he began, in statements to the Africafoot portal.

Regarding Diomande’s career choices so far, the former footballer considered that the Lions’ player was “brave”: “He made a brave and interesting choice by going to Denmark, to Midtjylland, where he continued his development. Going to Denmark, in Northern Europe, when you’re 17 years old, when you’re from Ivory Coast... I can assure you it’s a radical life change.”

“Then, he was loaned to Mafra, in the Portuguese Second Division, where he caught the attention of Sporting, one of the country’s biggest clubs. His career path so far has been intelligent. He learned a lot at Sporting, and he will continue to learn,” Alain Gouaméné added.

Moving on to Diomande’s future – with whom the Lions intend to renew – the legendary Ivory Coast goalkeeper had no doubts in stating that “there is a strong possibility” the player will leave Sporting soon, due to the interest from some European giants: “The fact that he is valued at 45 million euros is not by chance, it says a lot about his level. He is among the good, or even the very good defenders playing in Europe. He will leave soon, that seems to be a given. And I think it will be for a very big club. Probably in England, although I would like to see him in France or Germany.”

“He is not even 22 years old yet. He still has a lot to improve, just like all players his age. Within a year, two years, three years, he will be the leader of the defense at whichever club he’s at. Because soon, he will be playing in one of the best European leagues, and his progression will continue,” he added.

To conclude, Alain Gouaméné spoke about Diomande’s role both at Sporting and with Ivory Coast: “As he takes on new responsibilities, with a bit more experience, he will establish himself as a leader. I am convinced of that. And he will also become a leader in the national team.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.