France World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has delivered a candid assessment of the challenges facing African national teams, expressing confidence that experienced coach Carlos Queiroz has the authority to address one of the continent’s most persistent issues.
Speaking on Queiroz’s influence, Desailly pointed to the Portuguese tactician’s extensive background in European football as a key asset, particularly when it comes to managing dressing room dynamics.
“He has real experience in European football over the years,” Desailly said. “So he will kill a little bit of the egos.”
Desailly did not shy away from highlighting what he believes is a structural problem within African football, where hierarchy and reputation can sometimes outweigh current performance levels.
“In Africa, we have a problem with the egos,” he continued. “The older players that are in the team, who are no longer performing, but they are still there, and you cannot move them out.”
The former defender’s remarks underline a long-running debate about squad evolution and meritocracy across several African national teams. While experience is often valued, critics argue that it can come at the expense of form and the development of younger talents.
Queiroz, who has coached at the highest level in Europe and internationally, is widely regarded as a disciplinarian capable of making difficult decisions. His track record suggests a willingness to prioritize structure and performance over sentiment, a quality Desailly believes could prove decisive.
As African teams continue to strive for greater impact on the global stage, balancing respect for established figures with the need for renewal remains a delicate task. For Desailly, the solution lies in strong leadership and the courage to make unpopular calls.
In Queiroz, he sees a coach equipped to do exactly that.
