Bouna Sarr: Metz manager Benoît Tavenot explains delayed debut

Senegal defender Bouna Sarr is still awaiting his debut appearance for Metz since joining the Ligue 1 club as a free agent.

Bouna Sarr, who returned to Metz this winter after leaving Bayern Munich, remained on the bench for his first two matches with the Metz squad.

In a press conference on Thursday, Metz coach Benoît Tavenot addressed the situation of the versatile Senegalese right full-back.

Bouna Sarr had not played for two years before joining Metz

“I had a discussion with him,” explained Benoît Tavenot, in comments reported by Le Républicain Lorrain. I know what a talented player he was.

“But the fact is, he hasn’t played in a very long time, and I haven’t even seen him for half an hour in a match or even in an internal scrimmage.

“Obviously, playing him is on my mind. He’s capable of playing, I know that, and he will play because I also need to know where he stands. In these last two weeks of training, he’s done some interesting things. But training is different from a match.

Bouna Sarr, 34, who had been absent from the game for more than two years, has been left on the bench since joining the Metz squad. He missed their game against Lille in a 1-1 draw and Auxerre in a 0-3 defeat.

Bouna Sarr won the Europa League with Olympique Marseille before scooping three Bundesliga titles, a FIFA Club World Cup and the DFL Super Cup with Bayern Munich. He was a member of the Senegal senior team which won the nation’s first Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 in Cameroon.

🇸🇳 Bouna Sarr Awaiting His Debut at FC Metz After Long Absence

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Senegal defender Bouna Sarr is still waiting to make his first official appearance for Ligue 1 side FC Metz after rejoining the club as a free agent this winter. The experienced right-back returned to familiar surroundings following his departure from Bayern Munich, but his comeback has yet to translate into match minutes.

Still on the Bench

Since linking up with Metz, the 34-year-old has remained an unused substitute in his first two matches. He watched from the bench during the 1-1 draw against Lille OSC and again in the 0-3 defeat to AJ Auxerre.

For supporters eager to see the veteran defender back in action, his absence from the pitch has raised questions. However, Metz head coach Benoît Tavenot has provided clarity on the situation.