Hervé Renard, Morocco’s national team coach since 2016, has been linked with Olympique Lyonnais and several other clubs in recent weeks. However, as he prepares his squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (June 21 to July 19), the Frenchman has dismissed these rumors.
The two-time African champion has been the subject of speculation from clubs across Ligue 1, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking to the Moroccan website El Botola, Renard emphasized the importance of staying focused on the upcoming tournament. “After every major competition, the coach doesn’t know if he’ll stay or leave. The best thing for everyone is, therefore, to remain focused on the Egyptian tournament. Once the AFCON is over, we’ll take stock. The FRMF will set its objectives for the next phase, and I’ll present my report,” he explained, as reported by sport.le360.ma.
Renard also indicated that any decision about his future would depend on the support he receives from the Moroccan Football Federation. “Should the Federation wish to continue the adventure, I would ask myself an existential question: will I have the necessary support and backing to calmly continue my mission?” he said.
While his comments leave the door open for a potential departure, it seems unlikely that Renard would leave the Atlas Lions immediately before AFCON, or join Lyon in mid-July after preparations for the next season are already underway. For now, his focus remains firmly on guiding Morocco through the continental tournament, even as speculation about his next career move continues.
