The French coach has shed further light on the behind-the-scenes details. Previously, Renard briefly addressed the situation, expressing his desire to assist the Elephants but acknowledging the destiny that unfolded.
In a comprehensive discussion with L’Équipe, Renard delved into the intricacies of the Ivorian approach and the challenges he faced.
The coach of the French women’s team, coveted by Ivory Coast for his expertise, clarified that the request came directly from the highest echelons of the Ivorian football administration.
“When you have the President of the Federation, the Prime Minister of the country asking you for it, I had no right to say no.
Impossible,” Renard emphasized, highlighting the gravity of the invitation.
Renard, known for his commitment to the French women’s team, made it unequivocally clear that he set conditions from the outset.
He insisted that he would not forsake his responsibilities with the Eugénie Le Sommer-led squad. “From the start, I told the president of the Federation: ‘I’m willing, but there’s no question of me leaving the Blues, so you ask my leaders if they accept that I can do both,’” he stated.
Despite the controversy and accusations of abandoning the French team, Renard defended his stance, noting that he had prioritized the Blues since the beginning.
He reminded the public of his sacrifice when leaving the coaching position in Saudi Arabia to join the French team.
Renard expressed his lack of information regarding the reasons behind the French Football Federation’s (FFF) refusal and asserted that he had no intentions of seeking those reasons.
He maintained a strong attachment to his commitment to the French women’s team and the shared goal of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
In a message that echoed openness and understanding, Renard stated, “It’s not easy to understand, perhaps, seeing from France, but having traveled a lot made me see things differently, opened my mind. In fact, if you have the ins and outs, you can really understand things.
And I don’t see how it would have been incompatible to do both.” Renard’s perspective aims to provide a nuanced view on a situation that sparked intrigue and discussions within the football community.
