Herve Renard reunites with Siramana Dembele in new Cote d’Ivoire coaching set-up

Herve Renard has confirmed Siramana Dembele as his assistant for the next two years after outlining the first members of his Cote d’Ivoire coaching staff.

The newly appointed Cote d’Ivoire manager made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, shortly after his official presentation in the role. Renard used his first media appearance since returning as national team coach to provide details of his backroom team.

Dembele, 49, will work alongside Renard as assistant manager. The Franco-Ivorian has experience with a number of prominent clubs and has worked at Standard de Liege, Braga, Nantes, Porto, Al-Ittihad and AC Milan.

His time at AC Milan came under the management of Sergio Conceicao. Renard said Dembele’s background at that level would bring valuable experience to the Cote d’Ivoire set-up.

The appointment also reunites the two men after their previous time together in Saudi Arabia. Renard was in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team when he and Dembele first worked alongside one another.

David Barriac has been appointed as the squad’s fitness coach, while Alexandre Kerveillant will take responsibility for video analysis. Former Cote d’Ivoire international Aruna Dindane will remain in his position as team manager.

Renard’s comments gave the first indication of how he intends to organise his staff after being formally presented as Cote d’Ivoire’s coach. The Frenchman chose to confirm four members of his technical team at Thursday’s conference, with Dembele taking the principal assistant’s role.

Dembele’s career has included work in several different football environments, from Belgium and Portugal to France, Saudi Arabia and Italy. His experience with Standard de Liege, Braga, Nantes, Porto, Al-Ittihad and AC Milan was highlighted as a factor behind his selection.

The assistant manager’s previous professional connection with Renard was also a central part of the appointment. Their time together in Saudi Arabia means Dembele is already familiar with the manager’s methods and expectations.

Barriac and Kerveillant will provide specialised support in physical preparation and match analysis respectively, while Dindane’s continued presence offers continuity within the wider staff. Dindane, who represented Cote d’Ivoire during his playing career, will continue as team manager.

The announcements came as Renard began his return to the Cote d’Ivoire post. His immediate task has been to establish the structure around him, with the first four appointments now confirmed and Dembele set to serve as his assistant for the next two years.