As each African Cup of Nations approaches, the subject comes back on the table. When should players be released by their clubs and made available for selection? This year, the deadline has once again been shortened, since instead of leaving their African elements free after the weekend of December 7, as initially planned, the clubs will be able to keep them until December 15, just one week before the start of hostilities.
Some teams are even completely resistant to the idea of letting their teams go under the flag. This is particularly the case of Como and his coach Cesc Fabregas, very irritated after learning of the summons of his striker Assane Diao by Senegal.
“I won’t tell him anything anymore”
“He was called up and I spoke to him after the match against Inter Milan (lost 4-0 by Como on Saturday December 6). He knows my opinion well,” said the former Spanish midfielder on Saturday at a press conference, revealing that he had spoken with Pape Thiaw, the coach of the Teranga Lions. “It honestly wasn’t a very pleasant conversation so I completely dissociate myself (from this choice)” criticized the 38-year-old technician.
Surprised that Diao was selected despite his physical problems – he has only played 5 Serie A matches since the start of the season – Fabregas put pressure on his young 20-year-old element. “I won’t tell him anything anymore. He knows my opinion, the summons has arrived. Whether he wants to handle this a certain way or not is up to him but I won’t go anymore. He understands what I want, what the club wants and then it’s him who decides. »
Absent for 7 months, between April and October, due to a broken foot, Diao was deemed fit by the Senegalese medical profession. Asked about the controversy with Fabregas when unveiling his list this Saturday, Pape Thiaw did not hesitate to protect the interests of his nation.
“I defend the interests of my country above all”
“If he is not happy, we, Senegal, are happy and proud,” said the coach at the microphone of RTS, the main Senegalese media. “Assane Diao is doing great things in Como and he wanted to keep him, which I can understand. Personally, I spoke with Fabregas. He tried to convince me so that Assane would not be summoned, but I defend the interests of my country above all,” he recalled.
“I explained to him that we have total professionalism and that we had to manage Assane as best as possible. The player clearly expressed his determination to come. The problem is therefore resolved,” swept the technician, still undefeated in an official match since his appointment on the bench of the Teranga Lions in December 2024.
While Como wanted to retain him so that he could continue his physical upgrading, Diao will fly to Morocco next Tuesday, the day after the closing match of the 15th day of Serie A between his team and AS Roma. The reaction of the Lombard club will be closely scrutinized.
Worth a look
