Patrick Vieira is the favourite to become the new Senegal coach.
The Lions of Teranga have a surprise vacancy in the dugout following the dismissal of Pape Thiaw.
Thiaw has only been in the job for a year-and-a-half and made an AFCON final, winning it if you judge that by who has the trophy.
Thiaw dismissed after World Cup 2026
However, Senegal’s World Cup display was a disappointment, scraping out of the group before getting knocked out by Belgium in the last 32 despite going 2-0 up.
Thiaw has now been sacked after a meeting among decision-makers at the Senegal football association, and it’s claimed Vieira is a leading candidate to replace him.
The France legend was born in Senegal to Senegalese parents, and his grandfather served in the French army.
While Vieira hasn’t exactly had a stellar coaching career, he does come with a wealth of experience across the US, France, England and Italy.
Among the reasons Thiaw was blamed for the World Cup display, his decision to keep picking the disastrous Kalidou Koulibaly was high on the list.
Senegalese Press Turn on Coach Pape Thiaw
After three errors in defeat to Norway, eading outlet Le Soleil wrote: “This defeat belongs to Pape Thiaw. If we started this match without Koulibaly: we’d never lose.
“Six goals conceded, he’s at fault for five. Well done Koulibaly. Thank you Pape Thiaw.”
They finished: “The final whistle leaves a huge sense of incompleteness and enormous regret.
“Mathematically, the chances of qualifying for the round of 16 have drastically diminished and now hang by a thread.
“For the final matchday of the group stage, Senegal will face Iraq, who also suffered a heavy defeat against France (3-0).
“For Pape Thiaw and his men, a resounding victory is essential, as is improving their goal difference and hoping for a miracle.”
Pape Thiaw’s response
In his post-match press conference, he said: “It was a difficult match against a Norwegian team that caused us a lot of problems and proved very efficient.
“They scored at times when it is always very difficult to concede goals, especially just before half-time.
“Then, after returning from the locker room, just as we were starting to find our rhythm, we conceded a second goal. It wasn’t easy. We have to congratulate the opposition on their performance.
“For my part, I encourage my players. We wanted to get a positive result, unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
“We made the decision to field the same team. Obviously, when the results aren’t there, everyone questions the decisions made. That’s football.
“We will now review the match, learn all the necessary lessons and correct our mistakes so as not to repeat them in the future.
“We now have one match left. We need to focus on this last game, play it to the fullest, go for the three points and keep hoping.”
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