Le Roy: 'Mane Asked Me What I'd Do If I Were Him; I Said I'd Keep Playing'
19 January 2026at00:26
French coach Claude Le Roy has revealed details of a conversation he had with Senegalese star Sadio Mané during the Senegal national team's walkout in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
"When Mané was left alone on the pitch, he came and asked me, 'What would you do if you were in my position?'" Le Roy stated in press remarks.
"I replied: 'I would continue playing, because the outcome is never decided!' Then Sadio brought his teammates back onto the pitch," the French coach added.
The Senegalese national team had dramatically walked off the pitch in protest of a correct penalty kick awarded to Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Q&A
Why did Sadio Mané consult Claude Le Roy during the Africa Cup of Nations final?
Sadio Mané approached coach Claude Le Roy for guidance when the Senegal team walked off the pitch in protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, seeking advice on how to proceed.
What caused the Senegal national team to walk off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final?
The Senegal national team initiated a walkout during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in protest of a penalty kick awarded to Morocco, which the article states was correct.
