Rudi Garcia raconte ses liens avec Pape Thiaw et Idrissa Gana Guèye : « Pendant 90mn, je serai leur pire ennemi'
Just hours before the round of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, Rudi Garcia set aside the sporting rivalry to discuss his connections with several figures in Senegalese football. The Red Devils' coach recounted how he had contributed to Pape Thiaw's early career at AS Saint-Étienne, before giving Idrissa Gana Gueye his professional debut at LOSC Lille.
“With Pape Thiaw, there is a special story. At the time when I was on the staff of Saint-Étienne, I advised Robert Nouzaret to give him a chance. I told him that he had incredible qualities. He joined the group and immediately showed what he was capable of,” the French coach confided.
Rudi Garcia also reveals that the current coach of the Lions reminded him of this anecdote during the World Cup draw last December.
“He told me that I had been important in his early days. I had somewhat forgotten about that, but his career is primarily due to his talent. He was a great player and he has become an excellent coach, winning the AFCON with Senegal. I am very happy for him,” he praised.
The former LOSC coach then spoke about Idrissa Gana Guèye, whom he launched in Ligue 1 after his arrival from the Diambars academy, alongside Pape Souaré.
“With Gana, the bond is even stronger. We won the double with Lille and he was already playing in a Coupe de France final at only 20 years old. We will be linked forever,” he recalled.
But the time for reunions will quickly give way to the sporting challenge.
“I’ll give him a big hug before the game, and another one after. But during the 90 minutes, I’ll be his worst enemy,” said Rudi Garcia.
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