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Xavi Hernandez linked to vacant Senegal national team coaching position
via SeneNews1 min read
Former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has expressed interest in managing a national team, coinciding with the vacant head coach position for Senegal's Lions. The Senegalese Football Federation is currently considering candidates following the departure of Pape Thiaw. Xavi, who is unattached since leaving the Catalan club, recently stated in an interview with RNE Deportes his ambition for an international coaching experience, not ruling out an African national team. He mentioned his desire to participate in a World Cup, Euro, AFCON, or Asian Cup, seeking a solid football project that allows him to work calmly. These comments have fueled speculation about his potential candidacy for the Senegal role, especially given the team's mix of experienced and young talent playing in top European leagues, and their ambition to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations and perform well in the World Cup.
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Must ReadThe ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit begins on July 19 in Lungi, Sierra Leone, addressing significant security, political, and economic challenges in the sub-region. Senegal has proposed General Birame Diop, former Minister of Armed Forces under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to chair the ECOWAS Commission. He is currently the sole candidate to lead the executive body. If confirmed, his appointment would be a significant step for Senegalese diplomacy and place a Senegalese national at the helm of an institution guiding ECOWAS's direction in a complex regional context. The summit follows a week of preparatory meetings involving experts, high-ranking officials, and ministers from member states. Beyond the Commission president's appointment, leaders will discuss strengthening regional security against terrorism, consolidating democratic governance, and accelerating economic integration and free movement within the community.
Former French international Patrick Vieira, who has Senegalese roots, is reportedly a strong candidate to become the next coach of the Lions of Teranga. According to journalist Pape Ousmane Kassé of Match360, the former Arsenal midfielder has signaled his openness to the Senegalese Football Federation FSF regarding taking charge of the national team. Discussions between Vieira and the FSF are said to be well advanced, with only the approval of the country's highest authorities pending before a contract can be signed and his technical staff assembled. This potential move would mark a shift for Senegal, which has recently been led by locally trained coaches Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw, towards an expatriate coach. Vieira is currently unattached, having previously managed Genoa in Italy from November 2021 to November 2025 before being dismissed due to insufficient results. His recent coaching career also includes amicable departures from Strasbourg July 2023 – July 2024 following disagreements with management, and his dismissal from Crystal Palace in March 2023 after 18 months.
Waly Diouf Bodian, former Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, has broken his silence following his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Instead of discussing his departure from the Port, Bodian addressed Pastef militants on social media, urging them to mobilize for upcoming political events. He stated, "The steamroller is activated. From now on, we will not stop. Let everyone take their place in animation, massification, and communication activities. We are Pastef and no one can beat us in an election in this country. Today, the suburbs are the political center of gravity." This public statement, made after his replacement at the Autonomous Port of Dakar was decided during last Wednesday's Council of Ministers, demonstrates his continued commitment to Pastef and encourages militants to intensify grassroots efforts in mobilization, communication, and strengthening the party's base.