CF Montreal fans have expressed their displeasure with the team’s coach, Laurent Courtois, regarding his handling of Kenyan international Victor Wanyama. Supporters of the MLS team, CF Montreal, are unhappy with the lack of playing time for former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama, who has been sidelined in recent matches.
Wanyama faced a disappointing end to last season, spending much of his time on the bench, and was even excluded from the squad by the previous Montreal coach, Hernan Losada. He was reassured by the new coach, Laurent Courtois, that this season would be different.
Despite these assurances, the Kenyan international has yet to start in any of the five matches of the new season. Wanyama was on the bench and did not play in the season opener against Orlando City, made back-to-back second-half appearances in victories over FC Dallas and Inter Miami, but was an unused substitute in Montreal’s recent losses to Chicago Fire and DC United.
With a game against Seattle Sounders approaching on April 7, Montreal fans have taken to the club’s social media demanding Wanyama’s inclusion, accusing coach Courtois of disrespecting him.
One frustrated fan questioned, “Why does Wanyama not play? Why do players not push forward when losing with a minute left? Why does [Bryce] Duke still play? He’s not good. Horrible game from Courtois.” Another stated, “Wanyama deserves a bit more respect,” while others are calling for the ex-Kenyan international to be started in the upcoming match.
Wanyama has been overlooked in favor of a midfield duo of Canadians Samuel Piette and Mathieu Choiniere, with youngsters Nathan Saliba and Bryce Duke also being preferred. However, given the team’s recent poor performances, fans are calling for a change, criticizing the effectiveness of the current midfield lineup.
Another supporter voiced frustration over certain players’ lack of effort in attacking in the final moments of games, specifically criticizing players Ruan Gregorio Teixeira and Josef Martinez for their tactical and positional inadequacies, suggesting they no longer deserve their starting spots.
Wanyama was part of the squad traveling to Seattle on Thursday, but whether Courtois will grant him playing time on Sunday is yet to be determined.
