Elephants: Magloire Diop calls for Franck Kessié to be dropped

Speaking on 7info, Ivorian journalist Magloire Diop called for Franck Kessié to be removed from the midfield of the Elephants. He also criticized the choices of head coach Hervé Renard, whom he considers too conservative.

Ivorian journalist Magloire Diop strongly criticized Franck Kessié’s role within the Ivory Coast national team. Speaking on 7info, he felt that keeping the Elephants captain at the heart of midfield was hindering the development of the national team’s style of play.

In his view, a change is needed in that position to allow new profiles to express themselves. “For me, as long as Franck Kessié is there, nothing will change in terms of the midfield’s style of play. If Kessié does not want to retire, he must be forced into retirement,” he said.

To illustrate his point, Magloire Diop referred to the decision made by Aimé Jacquet when he was in charge of the French national team, when he left Éric Cantona out in order to facilitate Zinédine Zidane’s integration.

Hervé Renard criticized for his choices

Beyond the Franck Kessié issue, the journalist also took aim at head coach Hervé Renard’s choices, particularly his management of young players and his use of the resources available in midfield.

Magloire Diop notably believes that Inao could have been given greater responsibility within the national team. In his view, the coach’s decisions risk undermining the player’s confidence, as he considers him a promising prospect.

He also called for better integration of players such as Mario Dorgelès and Mohamed Diomandé, highlighting their experience with the national team.

A revolution expected, but still absent in his view

The journalist criticized Hervé Renard for opting for a conservative approach, while he had expected the coach to bring about a more profound transformation in the way the Elephants operate.

“The coach has made a conservative choice that cannot move the team forward. With Renard, we expected a revolution that ultimately never happened,” he stated.

For Magloire Diop, Franck Kessié’s presence in midfield therefore remains at the heart of the playing difficulties he is highlighting. He believes that without reconsidering the choices made in that position, the same shortcomings are likely to persist.

“We will come back in three months to talk about the same playing problems,” he warned.

Editor: ‏Charles Zahe

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