The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) sought the expertise of renowned French coach Hervé Renard for the crucial round of 16 clash against Senegal. However, the attempt faced a roadblock, with the French Football Federation declining to release Renard from his current role as coach of the French women’s team.
The turn of events unfolded following the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after the Elephants suffered a resounding defeat against Equatorial Guinea (0-4) and faced the specter of elimination.
The desire to bring back Renard, who led Ivory Coast to victory in 2015, was met with challenges, and the French Federation’s decision not to release him for an interim mission left the FIF scrambling for alternatives.
Former Indomitable Lions’ goalkeeper and Cameroonian football legend Joseph-Antoine Bell provided a critical analysis of the situation. Bell expressed reservations about the feasibility of the decision, emphasizing that it was destined for failure from the outset.
He noted that the move conveyed a sense of panic and questioned its impact on the credibility of internal coaching solutions.
“To be honest, it couldn’t have been a good decision. First of all, you had to understand that it wouldn’t work.
Then, it sends the signal of panic, and finally, it discredits the internal solution,” Bell conveyed in a conversation with RFI.
Furthermore, Bell scrutinized the manner in which the situation was handled, expressing disappointment in the lack of discretion.
He suggested that a more discreet approach, even in the face of refusal, would have been a wiser course of action.
As the Ivorian team faces Senegal in the round of 16, the coaching saga adds an intriguing subplot to their AFCON campaign.
Le sélectionneur Emerse Faé s’est prononcé sur l’arrivée avortée de Hervé Renard.#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/Dqs5CYBgci
— Le Kpakpato Sportif (@LKsportif) January 28, 2024
