Tottenham Hotpsur’s Yves Bissouma is still waiting to make his first appearance of the season.
The Mali international was left out of Thomas Frank’s plans at the north London club. With a contract expiring in 2026, he was said to have been asked to look for a club last summer.
Bissouma didn’t leave Tottenham, but Frank hasn’t considered him right for selection so far.
Africa Foot contacted former Mali defender Cédric Kanté to get his views on Bissouma’s difficult situation at Spurs.
Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou despite him guiding them to the Europa League success in May. Thomas Frank was appointed as his successor and the midfielder has failed to convince the Dane.
Kanté supports the former Brentford manager’s handling of his compatriot.
“I think there was a break before the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine in August, when Bissouma arrived late for training several times,” he said.
“Thomas Frank disciplined him, which seemed normal to me at the time. It’s logical for the coach to enforce the squad’s disciplinary rules.”
Frank dropped the 27-year-old from Tottenham’s squad for the Champions League. The former RC Strasbourg defender says he was surprised by the manager’s decision.
“On the other hand, his absence from the squad list for the Champions League surprised me. And what’s more, he’s not playing in the league. That’s a lot, for a few late arrivals. And I’m naturally wondering if there’s something else going on. But I don’t have any information on that,” Kanté explained.
“He can still hope to turn things around”
Kanté remains hopeful the former Brighton & Hove Albion can turn things around at Tottenham. He’s aware it won’t be easy as summer signing João Palhinha has impressed for Spurs.
“I hope so, because he’s a very good player. He has qualities, and he’s shown them since playing in England. He’s reliable and useful for the team. I think he could be of service,” he added.
“But Palhinha is doing a very good job. The team is fourth in the Premier League, has started well in the Champions League, and Thomas Frank doesn’t really have any reason to change everything.
“However, Yves Bissouma, if he trains well, can still hope to turn things around and be part of the rotation again.”