Aliou Cisse has defended Senegal's physical tactics after they were accused of putting the safety of Team GB in danger.
Senegal assistant defends side's tackling
Aliou Cisse has defended Senegal's physical tactics after they were accused of putting the safety of Team GB in danger at Old Trafford.
The 1-1 draw on Thursday left Stuart Pearce with several walking wounded squad members following a number of physical challenges which have been described by Ryan Bertrand as 'horrific'.
But Cisse laughed off the claims of the Chelsea defender that he feared for his safety.
He said: "I am surprised with the reaction and I was a little disappointed too.
Professionals
"There were some bad tackles but there were none with malicious intent. We are professionals.
"We tackled with energy and commitment but no-one went into a tackle looking to break a leg.
"We shouldn't exaggerate. I have played in this country and I have seen plenty worse games than what we saw in Manchester."
GB skipper Ryan Giggs criticised Saliou Ciss for a reckless tackle on Craig Bellamy, which forced the Welshman to be substituted through injury.
But Cisse was adamant there was more to Senegal's game.
The former Birmingham and Portsmouth player continued: " We did not just show our physical side. We dominated part of the game and we could have won it.
"We were disappointed to be labelled too physical. We have players with other qualities. We are what we are."
Wembley
Senegal face Uruguay at Wembley on Monday as they try to qualify for the quarter finals in their first appearance in the Olympic Games.
"I never played at Wembley so I envy our players," Cisse added.
"I have always thought of it as the temple of football with its own mythological and historical background."
