The secret of Metsu's success

Metsu has revitalised the Senegal national team

Senegalese Football Federation vice president Bounamar Gueye tells BBC Sport Online why Senegal coach Bruno Metsu has been so successful - guiding his team to their first World Cup and the final of this year's African Nations Cup.

Bruno Metsu has transformed the fortunes of Senegal since his appointment as coach in November 2000.

The 43-year-old inherited a team short on confidence and struggling in their World Cup qualification group, which included Algeria, Egypt and Morocco.

But Metsu quickly reversed his team's fortunes and his time as manager has led to a period of unparalleled success for the national side.

Bruno Metsu's secret is that he listens to everyone

Senegalese Football Federation vice president Bounamar Gueye

The Dakar Lions have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time - and play holders France in the tournament's opening match.

Metsu's team also reached the final of this year's African Cup of Nations, losing to Cameroon in a dramatic penalty shoot out.

Senegalese Football Federation vice president Bounamar Gueye - the man who appointed Metsu - is delighted with his team's form since the Frenchman took over.

And Gueye is no doubt as to why Metsu has done so well.

Metsu has got the best out of his star players

"Bruno's secret is that he listens to everyone - he listens to players, he listens to the federation and he listens to journalists," said Gueye.

"He makes his own decisions but he is very open minded.

"He is also extremely determined, works hard and does not like to lose."

Most Senegalese internationals play their domestic football in France - giving Frenchman Metsu a distinct advantage when he was appointed national coach.

"He knows exactly what the Senegalese mentality is," said Gueye.

Metsu's nationality, willingness to listen and understanding demeanour has also helped to persuade Senegal's key players to commit themselves to the national cause.

Under Bruno's rule Senegal has reached the summit of African football

Bounamar Gueye

"When he arrived here we had big, big difficulties bringing the top players who play their club football in France here for internationals.

"It is Bruno's capacity to talk to people that, along with the federation's president, managed to convince the main players to come and play."

After playing France in the World Cup's showcase opening fixture, Senegal will then face Denmark and Uruguay.

It is a tough group for a country competing in their first World Cup.

But - with less than eight weeks before the tournament begins - the mood is optimistic in Senegal.

"Senegal people love football very much and until Bruno arrived they were not happy with results," said Gueye.

"But under his rule Senegal has reached the summit of African football."