Centre-back Malang Sarr, who plays for Neom SC in Saudi Arabia, has opened up about his omission from the World Cup squad and his relationship with head coach Patrick Vieira, in an interview with Dsports relayed by Senego and Senenews.
Malang Sarr did not play at the last World Cup with Senegal. The Neom SC centre-back has broken his silence on that episode, in an interview with Dsports relayed by Senego and Senenews. He describes his disappointment, insists it is now behind him and discusses his choice to represent Senegal.
His comments come as the former Nice player is not among the 25 called up for the double header against Sudan, a squad notable for the returns of Koulibaly and Iliman Ndiaye.
A disappointment accepted, then put aside
The player makes no secret of his past bitterness. “I was disappointed, because I had done everything I could to be there. I worked hard for it. I wanted to see the country shine and being part of that adventure would have been magnificent for me,” he told Dsports, according to Senego.
His tone changes when he talks about the present. “But in football, everything moves very fast. You have to be able to move on quickly. That disappointment is now behind me. Today, we move forward,” he continues, according to the same source. He also discusses his ambitions with the Lions.
With Vieira, a relationship born at Nice
The centre-back describes a special relationship with Patrick Vieira, whom he has known since their time together at Nice. He highlights that bond in the interview.
Vieira has indeed handed debuts to several new faces since taking charge. According to the list of new names in the Senegal squad compiled by Ghana Soccer Net, Sarr is one of twelve players discovered by the head coach. He was brought into the group at the same time as Ngagne Demba Thiam, Mamour Ndiaye, Sadibou Sane and others.
Focus on the next window
Left out of the 25-man squad to face Sudan, the Neom SC defender sees attention turn to the returns of Koulibaly and Iliman Ndiaye.
In the interview relayed by Senego and Senenews, he expresses hope of a return to the national team in a future international window. No call-up is guaranteed at this stage.