Patrick Vieira sets the course: "Senegal must win, but also convince."

Just hours before facing Sudan this Thursday, November 12th, at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, Patrick Vieira has made his ambitions clear. The Lions' coach wants to establish a true playing identity based on collective control and possession.

But beyond results, he intends to meet the growing expectations of the Senegalese public, while also asking for their patience with the young players. For Patrick Vieira, Senegal's status now demands higher standards.

Considered among the best teams on the continent, the Lions must no longer simply aim to win. They are also expected to deliver high-quality performances.

“The public’s expectations are different than they were ten years ago. Today’s Senegal team is not the same as it was ten years ago. Today, Senegal is among the best nations in Africa and the world. The public’s expectation is no longer simply to win; it is to win with style,” the coach emphasized.

Also read: "Before Senegal-Sudan, Patrick Vieira targets the Lions' major problem!"

The former French international says he fully accepts this pressure. Convinced of his team's potential, he wants to implement an ambitious style of football, capable of valuing individual qualities in service of the collective.

"My role is to implement a game plan that will allow these players to showcase their talent. We need to control the game, control possession, and dictate the pace of the match. That's what we're going to try to do," he explained.

After some encouraging early performances, Vieira now intends to improve his team, both in their use of the ball and in their organization without possession.