Herve Renard outlines how Yan Diomande could fit into Real Madrids attack

Yan Diomande is still waiting to establish himself at Real Madrid, but Ivory Coast manager Herve Renard believes the winger has the talent and mentality to succeed under Jose Mourinho.

The 2026 World Cup has also affected the 21-year-old’s preparations, with Renard urging patience as Diomande adapts to the demands of the Spanish club and tries to force his way into a highly competitive attack.

Diomande has found opportunities limited despite his considerable potential. However, he showed encouraging signs before the international break, providing his first assist in his second league start against Elche and making a positive impact as a substitute against Atletico de Madrid.

Renard, who has coached Diomande three times since returning as Cote d’Ivoire manager, was asked by journalist Alexandre Ruiz about the forward’s slow start in Madrid. He pointed first to the number of attacking options available to Mourinho.

“It is no secret that his preferred position is on the left wing. At Real Madrid, on the left there is Vinicius; on the right, Guler and Diaz; and in the central area, Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham, slightly deeper. That sums up the situation,” Renard said.

The comments underline the difficulty Diomande faces in securing a regular place in Mourinho’s starting XI. Renard, however, believes it is too early to draw firm conclusions, particularly because the player returned to the season after appearing at the 2026 World Cup.

“He needs to be given a little time. The talent is there,” said Renard, who has already seen enough from Diomande’s early appearances to remain encouraged.

Although Renard identifies the left wing as Diomande’s natural position, his record at RB Leipzig offers another possible solution. The Ivorian was considerably more productive when used on the right in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists in 22 matches.

By comparison, he registered 3 assists in 10 appearances on the left. Those figures suggest he could also be effective on the right side of Real Madrid’s attack, although Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz provide strong competition in that position. Five of Diomande’s seven league appearances have come on the right.

Renard saw evidence of that flexibility during Cote d’Ivoire’s recent victory over Somalia. Moved to the right late in the match, Diomande played a part in two decisive moments.

“He went down the wing, delivered a cross and we scored. Then, in the final move, he hit the post and Bazoumana Toure scored,” Renard said.

For Renard, Diomande’s ability to handle the wider pressures of playing for Real Madrid may be just as important as where he lines up.

“I think he is approaching this situation in the right way. I see him as positive. With that attitude, he can go a long way,” he said.

The manager added: “As everywhere in football, you have to win.”

Diomande’s next challenge will be to turn his opportunities into consistent playing time in Madrid.