Herve Renard reveals Senegal contact before Patrick Vieira appointment

Herve Renard says he was contacted by the Senegalese Football Federation before Patrick Vieira emerged as the country’s next manager, but claims he was then left waiting without explanation.

Vieira is expected to be officially presented as Senegal manager soon, although he was not the only candidate considered by the federation. Renard, who is now in charge of Cote d’Ivoire, confirmed that Senegalese officials approached him during their search.

“Yes, I received a call,” Renard told Canal+ Afrique.

However, the initial contact did not lead to a formal proposal. Renard said he waited for the Senegalese federation to get back in touch, but that follow-up never came.

The Frenchman believes the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) had identified another option it preferred, apparently Vieira, and changed direction without informing him.

“On ne m’a pas prevenu” – “I wasn’t told” – Renard said, expressing his disappointment at the way the process ended.

Senegal had been among the possible destinations discussed for Renard after he became available this summer. But he did not remain on standby indefinitely, with Cote d’Ivoire also making an approach and strongly wanting him to return.

Renard accepted the opportunity to take charge of the Elephants again, having led them to the continental title in 2015.

“We close the curtain and move on,” he said.

Senegal have opted for Vieira, while Cote d’Ivoire have given Renard the chance to revisit one of the most successful periods of his career.

The episode has added significance because of Renard’s close connections with Senegal. He regularly lives in Saly and is in a relationship with Viviane Dieye, the Senegalese businesswoman and widow of Bruno Metsu. Renard therefore knows the country and its football environment well.

His comments have prompted suggestions that he may have been mildly frustrated by the lack of communication from Senegal, although he did not appear particularly bitter.

That interpretation was given an extra twist when Renard was asked about the current balance of power in African football. He described Morocco as “the number one African team in international competitions”, adding that nobody could dispute that status.

Renard’s assessment reflects Morocco’s recent results and consistency. He was the team’s manager between 2016 and 2019, and knows both Morocco and Senegal closely.

His remarks appear to have been a considered footballing judgment rather than a direct criticism of Senegal. Nevertheless, their timing, coming shortly after his account of the FSF’s approach, is likely to attract attention.