Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr has thrown his full weight behind coach Aliou Cisse, despite Senegal’s early World Cup exit.
A 2-1 win over Poland and a 2-2 draw with Japan were not enough to send Senegal through to the last-16 round after they lost 1-0 to Colombia in their last group game.
The omission of experienced stars like Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare, Newcastle United’s Mohamed Diame, Saint-Etienne left-back Cheikh Mbengue and Pape Kouly Diop of La Liga side Eibar from the final World Cup squad was drew criticism from some quarters.
With much of the responsibility of their World Cup exit falling on Cisse’s shoulder, Sarr has defended his coach’s team selection.