"The choice is always mine": How Pape Thiaw manages the Lions' key players

On the eve of the World Cup round of 32 match against Belgium, Pape Thiaw revealed his management style. The Lions' coach explained that he places great importance on dialogue with his players, while firmly reiterating that the final sporting decisions always rest with him.

When asked about his close relationship with the senior players on the national team, the Senegalese coach asserted that he maintains the same relationship with his entire squad. "So you can see that I'm with the senior players, I'm like that with all the players. There's this affinity. Of course, I talk a lot with the senior players, just like with everyone else. I like to exchange ideas, understand their feelings, and discuss things with them."

Participative management, but without compromise

Pape Thiaw considers this human approach an essential element of his method for motivating his troops in the United States. "It's important for morale and for my management style, which I've always wanted to be participative, so that the players feel more involved."

The coach, however, was keen to clarify his authority within the squad. Despite these regular discussions, the final decision regarding team selection and tactics rests solely with him. "Your question is a bit mischievous, but the choice always comes down to me. That's absolutely certain," he stated firmly.

A message of support for Senegalese journalists

Just hours before facing Belgium's Red Devils, Pape Thiaw expressed complete confidence in his team's mindset. "Mentally, we are ready. It's a new tournament that's starting. We know we have to win to stay in the competition, and we're going to do everything we can to achieve that."

The coach also concluded his press conference with a warm and heartfelt nod to the Senegalese reporters present in Seattle to cover the event: "We want you, the Senegalese journalists, to stay here as long as possible to continue the wonderful work you are doing. And we want to stay here as long as possible."