Hervé Renard Outlines Vision in First Press Conference as Ivory Coast Coach
Ivory Coast’s newly appointed head coach Hervé Renard held his first press conference on Monday, setting out his plans and ambitions for the national team since taking charge last Thursday.
Renard, who succeeded Sabri Lamouchi, emphasized his intention to build on the team’s existing strengths while injecting fresh energy into the squad. “My mission is to rebuild a new team, knowing that not everything is to be thrown away,” he said. “The big revolution will not take place immediately because the next competitive deadlines are coming quickly in September. But we will bring a new dynamism.”
The Frenchman also stressed that Ivory Coast, currently ranked second among African nations in the FIFA rankings, must aim higher than simply reaching the quarter-finals in upcoming tournaments. “I think when you are the second African team in the FIFA rankings, you cannot enter a competition saying that you are only aiming for the quarter-finals. That would not be appropriate given the quality of this team and especially its past,” Renard remarked.
Reflecting on his past success, Renard drew parallels with his remarkable achievement leading Zambia to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title. “If, in 2012, I had the pretension to say that we were going to win the African Cup with Zambia, I cannot have a different discourse with Ivory Coast,” he explained.
One of his main priorities will be to rebuild team spirit. “Finding a team spirit will be my first task, the one on which I will be the most uncompromising because I believe that without collective strength, we are not capable of completing major projects,” he added.
Renard wasted no time settling into his role, visiting the National Technical Center in Bingerville within 24 hours of his appointment to familiarize himself with the local infrastructure.
He also made clear his coaching philosophy: “When a coach takes office, he must have well-defined rules and stick to them. One of my strengths is that I never deviate from my principles; the collective will always be more important than individuals.”
Addressing potential challenges, Renard noted, “Sometimes there are players who are not able to get along, that’s where you have to detect the flaws. Let me arrive calmly, take stock of the situation and make the best possible analysis, to go in the best direction.”
Renard also touched on the subject of Didier Drogba, the Ivorian legend and key figure in the national team’s history. “I haven’t spoken to Didier Drogba on the phone yet, but I will very soon. I will talk to him. When the list is announced around August 20, you will have the answer,” he said.
The new coach confirmed he would be assisted by Patrice Beaumelle, his close friend and former assistant during his time with Zambia, who recently left his role there. In addition, a local technician will be part of the coaching staff to support the team.
Renard’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Ivory Coast prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, where they will face Sierra Leone in their opening match.
