Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is enjoying life again at MLS side CF Montreal following the appointment French coach Laurent Courtois
Victor Wanyama has appeared to aim a thinly veiled dig at his former coach Hernan Losada by declaring himself happy again at Major League Soccer (MLS) side CF Montreal under new manager Laurent Courtois.
The Kenya international had fallen out of favour under Losada who rarely selected him in the final months of last season as he started just one game since mid-July and his bit-part role led to a furious bust-up with the coach when he sought answers over his limited playing time.
That appears to be water under the bridge now under Courtois whom the former Tottenham and Southampton midfielder is hoping to start on a clean slate.
09:00 - 30.01.2024
STARS ABROAD Relief for Wanyama at CF Montreal after new coach Laurent Courtois' evaluation
Victor Wanyama went for pre-season in Tucson hoping to regain his berth in the squad.
“I’m starting to feel back to myself again, being happy with my teammates,” Wanyama told North East Now from Montreal’s training camp in Kissimmee, Florida. “That’s something that was difficult last season but now it’s back, I’m happy again to be on the pitch.”
Wanyama’s place in midfield was taken by 19-year-old academy graduate Nathan Saliba and it remains to be seen if Courtois will keep trust in the youngster given he was hired primarily due to his work with youth at Columbus Crew II.
However, the 32-year-old appears not worried and has lauded what he has seen already from the French coach.
06:00 - 06.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada opens up on failed Inter Milan, Juventus moves despite trialing well
Odada trialed at Inter Milan in 2018 and also had trials at Juventus and Parma.
“He’s very clear with what he wants,” added Wanyama. “He wants to just make everybody better. That’s one of the biggest assets that he brings. He wants to make everybody better, and he’s really focused on small details, which is really good as well.”
It looks like it will be a good working relationship between the two after Courtois recently revealed that he has been impressed with Wanyama’s professionalism.
“It’s a beautiful lesson in humility that he gives me,” said the coach.
11:00 - 05.02.2024
ATHLETICS Michael Olunga to feature in lucrative Doha Marathon
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga will test his hand at athletics when he takes part in this month’s Doha Marathon alongside his Al Duhail team-mates
Wanyama will have to fight off stiff competition for a starting place in Montreal’s central midfield since besides Saliba, captain Samuel Piette and Ilias Iliadis, youngsters Mathieu Choinière (24) and Bryce Duke (22) are also angling for a starting role.
Montreal will kick off their 2024 MLS season with an away clash against Orlando City on February 24 with the team’s home opener taking place at Stade Saputo on April 13 against FC Cincinnati.
Courtois has a big job on his hands after Losada was sacked for finishing the 2023 season trophyless while also missing out on the MLS playoffs.
18:37 - 05.02.2024
FKFPL Kayci Odhiambo reveals secret behind AFC Leopards’ mid-season revival
Kayci has been at the heart of Leopards’ defence as the side have now won five games from six and has explained why they have been in such brilliant form.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.