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Paulo Duarte believes Guinea is progressing well and expresses confidence in Senegal's potential to excel at the World Cup.
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Exclusive interview â Paulo Duarte: "Guinea on the right track, Senegal capable of going far at the World Cup"
Exclusive
Paulo Duarte confident in Senegal's World Cup prospects
Paulo Duarte/@Ouest France
A true expert in African football, Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte continues to make his mark with Guinea.
The former manager of Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Togo, and ex-UniĂŁo Leiria player, is aiming to leave his imprint with the âSyli National,â a side that has struggled to be competitive on the continental stage despite an inexhaustible pool of talent.
In an exclusive interview with âFoot Africa,â the Massarelos native took a broad look at the latest in African football, discussing his time with Guinea, the dominance of Portuguese coaches in the CAF Champions League, and the prospects for African teams at the 2026 World Cup.
What are your objectives with the Guinea national team (Syli National)?
The goal with Guinea is to rebuild a team in transition, both in terms of sporting performance and age. Itâs a squad brimming with talent, but still lacking stability and organization, especially when it comes to squad management.My objective is to rejuvenate the team by banking on youth and quality, to give this squad a new lease on life. The idea is to bring in young players and, of course, aim for qualification and at least a semifinal appearance at AFCON.
Paulo Duarte stated that Guinea is on the right track in terms of football development.
Duarte is confident that Senegal is capable of going far in the World Cup.
Duarte believes in Senegal's strong potential and capabilities as a team heading into the World Cup.
Paulo Duarte is a prominent figure in African football, known for his insights and coaching experience.
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Are there any new dual-nationality talents set to join Guinea for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers?
Yes, absolutely. There are dual-nationality players, but not as many as weâd like. We have five or six top-level players who have already played at the highest level, but so far, they havenât responded positively and have declined invitations to play for Guinea.This is a real issue for us because if we could convince just seven players, Guinea would have a fantastic team. But you canât force anyone to represent Guinea.There are also other young players, perhaps less experienced in the short term, but who have quality and, above all, the desire to play for the country. For me, thatâs the most important thing: having players ready to give everything for the flag.
Why has the Guinean national team struggled to achieve good results despite an enormous talent pool?
Honestly, I think itâs a country with too much talent, especially in Europe. There are players everywhere, but over the years, the team has operated in a certain disorganization and lack of discipline.Everyone did a bit as they pleasedâthatâs my analysis. In my eight or nine months here, Iâve noticed that some players were using the national team rather than serving it. They came when it suited them, played when they wanted. I think thatâs the main reason Guinea hasnât progressed.Now, itâs time to say enough is enough. Itâs time for change, and that moment has come. Renewing a team takes work, and results donât always come immediately. Bringing in new players, rebuilding a group, instilling a new dynamic and tactical organizationâthese things usually take at least one or two years.But fortunately, results are starting to show. Weâve refreshed the squad with quality. Out of eight games, we lost only the last one. For us, a new phase is beginning.However, standards will remain high, as will professionalism. Any player wanting to represent Guinea must understand there are rules and discipline. The player doesnât make the team, nor does he decide when he shows up or not.The priority is Guinea. First Guinea, then Guinea, and always Guinea above all else.
Portuguese football will be in the spotlight in the CAF Champions League final, with Miguel Cardoso and Alexandre Santos on the benches of Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR. Is this further proof that the Portuguese school is best suited to African football?
No, itâs not just about the connection between Portugal and Africa, but above all about the quality of the coaches.Portuguese coaches have evolved a lot over the years, thanks especially to the influence of major figures like JosĂ© Mourinho, who paved the way for a whole generation. For me, heâs been one of the main architects of this progress.Theyâve brought new ideas, greater visibility to the game, and modern training methods. They have also helped define what todayâs football is all about: organization, high standards, and professionalism.Today, Portuguese coaches are recognized for their adaptability, tactical rigor, and understanding of modern football. These are highly sought-after qualities, especially in Africa.Miguel Cardoso is a perfect example. After a career that wasnât always straightforward, he has managed to make a name for himself on the African continent. Iâm very happy for him, as he represents Portuguese coaches with honor.Reaching a third consecutive final is a massive achievement. I hope this time heâll manage to bring the trophy home with his club.
Who is your favorite for the CAF Champions League?
Sundowns, with all their experience, will face AS FAR, who have had an exceptional run. Thatâs the strength of the "Militaires"âtheyâll approach this opportunity as if itâs the last of their lives.It wonât be easy for the "Brazilians," even with more experience and a high-quality squad. But I think AS FAR will have their say in this African competition.
Which African team has the best chance of going far in the World Cup?
I think, right now, the team with the best chance at the World Cup is Senegal.Iâll say Senegalâand why? Because today, I have to congratulate their coach. Weâre seeing a completely different Senegal from a year or a year and a half ago. Itâs a team that controls the game, presses high, plays on the front foot, and doesnât let the opponent play.Before, Iâd faced Senegal five or six times and lost only once. Back then, it was a team that let you play, then, thanks to their talent and quality, could settle matches in a few minutes.Now, itâs the opposite. This is a Senegal that works together, with and without the ball, plays well, and suffocates its opponents. The pressing is modern, the standards are extremely high. Today, I see a Senegal doing all of that. A year and a half ago, that wasnât the case.So for me, today, Senegal is a massive force, a real powerhouse, and I believe they can go very far.Morocco is also a great team, with huge potential. Even though they didnât show their best football at the last AFCONâI expected more from themâtheyâre still a side capable of springing surprises.