Herve Renard begins Cote d’Ivoire return with Africa Cup ambitions

Herve Renard has explained why he chose to return as Cote d’Ivoire manager, saying the quality of the squad and the environment around the national team were decisive factors in his decision.

The 57-year-old Frenchman spoke at his first news conference since being appointed to lead the Elephants again. He has signed a contract that runs until 2028, returning to the country where he won the second and most recent Africa Cup of Nations title of his managerial career in 2015.

Renard said the opportunity to work with a talented group of players, in surroundings he considers suitable for success, helped convince him to take the job. Those two elements also influenced his decision to choose Cote d’Ivoire ahead of Senegal and Algeria.

His return comes after a brief spell in charge of Tunisia. That appointment ended before he could establish a long-term tenure, but he has now been handed the chance to begin a new chapter with the three-time African champions.

Renard’s first spell with Cote d’Ivoire remains the defining achievement of his coaching career. In 2015, he guided the Elephants to the Africa Cup of Nations title, securing his second continental triumph. It is also the last major tournament victory of his career.

The French manager made clear that the prospect of returning to a familiar setting had been important to him. The role offers him the chance to pursue personal ambitions while also attempting to deliver further success for a side with a strong history in African football.

Cote d’Ivoire have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, and Renard’s appointment places him back in charge of a team with established expectations. His contract through 2028 provides the latest stage of his career with a longer-term framework, rather than a short-term assignment.

At his introductory media appearance, Renard also revealed details of the circumstances behind his comeback. His comments focused on the combination of the players available to him and the wider setting surrounding the national team.

Those considerations ultimately outweighed the alternatives offered by Senegal and Algeria. Renard also spoke warmly of Cote d’Ivoire, paying tribute to the “Orange” as he began his second spell with the national side.

The appointment marks a return to the scene of his greatest success and gives Renard an opportunity to try to recreate that achievement. For Cote d’Ivoire, meanwhile, the agreement represents a reunion with the manager who led them to their most recent continental crown.

The new contract means Renard will remain responsible for the Elephants until 2028 as he seeks to combine his own ambitions with those of Cote d’Ivoire’s three-time African champions.