Hervé Renard has admitted he was at fault in the high-profile fallout that nearly cost Morocco the services of one of its most gifted footballers, Hakim Ziyech.
The former head coach of the Atlas Lions left Ziyech out of Morocco’s squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, a decision that drew widespread criticism at the time.
Ziyech, then emerging as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in European football, was omitted amid claims of poor communication and management issues.
Now, years later, Renard is offering a candid reflection on what went wrong.
Speaking on the Africa Football Club podcast hosted by L’Équipe, the Frenchman was open about the series of events that led to the rift. “There was a misunderstanding,” he said.
“A player picked up an injury on Tuesday during national team duty but was back on the pitch for his club that Saturday. I was stubborn. Whether I was right or wrong wasn’t the point—I was set in my thinking.”
The tension between Renard and Ziyech dates back to 2016, during the player’s early days at Ajax. Despite his rising profile, Ziyech often found himself on the fringes of the national team under Renard.
A combination of injury miscommunication and unclear expectations created a volatile atmosphere. Ziyech, confused by his substitute role, began to drift from the national setup, while Renard maintained his position without offering clarity.
Looking back, Renard acknowledged that his approach to man-management had flaws. “I need to feel a mutual connection. I can’t do this job in constant conflict,” he admitted, suggesting that emotional dynamics played a role in his decisions at the time.
The turning point came shortly after Morocco’s 2017 AFCON campaign. With pressure mounting and the national team at risk of losing a key player indefinitely, Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa stepped in. He quietly orchestrated a face-to-face meeting between the two in Amsterdam—a session that would prove pivotal.
Renard described the meeting as a straightforward but meaningful conversation. “We laid everything out,” he said. “I told him I should have communicated better.
He made it clear how deeply he cared about representing Morocco. In five minutes, everything was resolved.”
What emerged from that dialogue was a renewed understanding. Ziyech, reassured by the coach’s honesty and the federation’s support, returned to the national team with renewed commitment.
Renard, for his part, recalibrated his leadership style, recognising the value of communication and trust in international football.
The episode stands today as a lesson in humility and reconciliation. While Ziyech went on to become a central figure in Morocco’s squad, Renard’s legacy remains marked by both his achievements and the willingness to admit when he got it wrong.
The story, once a headline-grabbing controversy, is now a testament to the power of dialogue and leadership growth.
Hervé Renard a intégré Hakim Ziyech dans son onze idéal des joueurs africains qu’il a entraînés, aux côtés de Hakimi, Benatia et Mazraoui !
Une armada marocaine dans son équipe de rêve
🇲🇦⭐🔥 pic.twitter.com/37lxpqBOtm— KoraMaroc (@AtKoraMaroc) May 1, 2025
