HERVÉ RENARD LINKED WITH LILLE JOB, COULD LEAVE IVORY COAST
Hervé Renard’s future with the Ivory Coast national team is increasingly uncertain. The French coach, who led the Elephants to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title, is now strongly linked with a move to Lille OSC in Ligue 1.
According to multiple French media reports, Lille’s current coach René Girard is nearing a mutual agreement to part ways with the club. In anticipation of this, Renard has reportedly been identified as the ideal successor. Some outlets even claim that the former Sochaux and Zambia boss has already begun laying the groundwork for Lille’s next season, suggesting talks are quite advanced.
Despite his success in Africa, Renard has made no secret of his desire to return to club management in Europe. His name has frequently surfaced whenever a Ligue 1 bench becomes available. The potential move is not without regret, however—key Ivorian players like Yaya Touré and Gervinho have voiced their hope that Renard stays on to continue the national team project.
A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, but all signs point to Renard heading to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, unless the Ivorian federation makes a compelling case to keep him.
