World Cup 2026: “I am no wizard” as Tunisia brace for Japan test – Hervé Renard

Tunisia’s new head coach Hervé Renard has called for discipline, unity and hard work as the only route to salvaging their World Cup campaign, insisting he is not a “wizard” despite his reputation for turning teams around.

The 57-year-old Frenchman was appointed earlier this week following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden on Sunday.

Lamouchi’s exit makes him the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after just a single match in charge.

With barely three days to settle into his new role, Renard now faces a stern examination against Japan in Monterrey on Saturday, where Tunisia will be desperate to respond to a disastrous opening to the tournament.

Renard arrives with a strong reputation built across international football, including guiding Saudi Arabia to a famous 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

That success has earned him a reputation as a tactical “magician” in some quarters — a label he was quick to reject.

“It is easy to talk. I heard that I’ve been named a wizard. I am no wizard,” Renard said. “In football, there is a lot of work done.”

Looking ahead to the Japan clash, he stressed the need for collective discipline rather than individual inspiration.

“We must play a perfect collective game tomorrow,” he said. “I’ve met with an open-minded group, a determined one, with spirit. They want their revenge.”

Japan, meanwhile, come into the match in strong form after holding the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw, underlining the size of the challenge facing Tunisia.

Renard declined to reveal his tactical approach but made clear that his short-term focus is on restoring structure and belief.

“Being rigorous, disciplined, playing as one, as a collective team — this is our only strength tomorrow,” he said.