saabrian
16 Aug 2002, 03:56 PM
Some comments made by El Hadji Diouf to the Senegalese daily Sud quotidien (translations my own)
Q: Don't you think the hard part begins now for the Senegalese team, which threatens to collapses after the depart of Bruno Metsu?
A: It's precisely because we don't want to ruin everything that we have the intention to get things under control as soon as possible [...] If we are all famous, it's because of the team and Bruno. It's out of the question to let the situation rot regarding our manager.
Q: How do you hope to proceed in bring Bruno Metsu back to head the Lions de la Teranga?
A: All the playes are in agreement: we want him to stay. We can't imagine continuing without him. Without Bruno, we can't do anything. We would feel a little like orphans. He is only good for 10 months. But he is going to return afterward. In the meantime, his two assistants are going to smooth the transition. I am sure that they will do well and that they are very competent people.
Q: How do you hope to change the mind of El Hadj Malick Sy, president of the federation, who hopes to no longer work with Metsu?
A: I respect El Hajd Malick Sy, but I hope that he will also respect our choice. I'm persuaded that he will understand our position. Bruno must stay with us. Envisioning a future without him is not possible. We still need him. It's because of him that we have gone so far and abandoning him in the middle of the voyage is out of the question....
Q: If the federation refuses to honor your request, would you be ready to boycott the national team?
A: Maybe. Without a doubt, even. [sic] If they don't want to give us back Bruno Metsu, why continue? If [a boycott] the only way to make the [federation's] leaders understand our interntions, then we won't play anymore for the national team. We need Bruno...
Q: Don't you think the hard part begins now for the Senegalese team, which threatens to collapses after the depart of Bruno Metsu?
A: It's precisely because we don't want to ruin everything that we have the intention to get things under control as soon as possible [...] If we are all famous, it's because of the team and Bruno. It's out of the question to let the situation rot regarding our manager.
Q: How do you hope to proceed in bring Bruno Metsu back to head the Lions de la Teranga?
A: All the playes are in agreement: we want him to stay. We can't imagine continuing without him. Without Bruno, we can't do anything. We would feel a little like orphans. He is only good for 10 months. But he is going to return afterward. In the meantime, his two assistants are going to smooth the transition. I am sure that they will do well and that they are very competent people.
Q: How do you hope to change the mind of El Hadj Malick Sy, president of the federation, who hopes to no longer work with Metsu?
A: I respect El Hajd Malick Sy, but I hope that he will also respect our choice. I'm persuaded that he will understand our position. Bruno must stay with us. Envisioning a future without him is not possible. We still need him. It's because of him that we have gone so far and abandoning him in the middle of the voyage is out of the question....
Q: If the federation refuses to honor your request, would you be ready to boycott the national team?
A: Maybe. Without a doubt, even. [sic] If they don't want to give us back Bruno Metsu, why continue? If [a boycott] the only way to make the [federation's] leaders understand our interntions, then we won't play anymore for the national team. We need Bruno...