Herve Renard reveals Senegal talks as he names Morocco Africa’s leading team

Herve Renard says he was contacted by the Senegal Football Federation about becoming head coach but was left without an explanation when communication suddenly stopped.

Patrick Vieira is expected to be formally appointed as manager of the Senegal national team, known as the Lions of Teranga, although Renard’s comments indicate he was also considered for the role.

“Yes, I received a call from the Senegal federation,” Renard told Canal Plus. However, he said the contact did not develop into a formal offer.

The Frenchman had been waiting for Senegalese officials to get back in touch, but that never happened. He later discovered that the federation had decided to pursue another candidate.

“Nobody told me,” Renard said, describing how his communication with the Senegal federation ended.

Renard did not express clear anger over the situation, but his remarks highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Senegal’s search for a new coach. His name had been linked with the position during the summer, when he was available without a national-team commitment.

He did not remain out of work for long, receiving an offer to return to Cote d’Ivoire, a side he led to victory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Explaining his decision to take charge of the Elephants again, Renard said: “We close the chapter and move on to something else.”

Renard returned to Cote d’Ivoire for a second spell last August, more than a decade after guiding the country to the 2015 continental title. He is one of the most successful coaches in Africa Cup of Nations history, having won the competition with two different national teams.

Renard ranks Morocco top in Africa

Asked to assess the leading powers in African football, Renard placed Morocco at the top, pointing to the country’s recent performances on the international stage.

“I think Morocco is now number one in Africa in international competitions, and I do not think anyone can deny that, especially when you are able to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2026,” he said.

Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022. It then reached the last eight in 2026, becoming the first African nation to make two World Cup quarter-finals. Its latest campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat by France.

“On the world stage, Morocco are the African team that have performed best,” Renard added. “They have shown the way for the other African teams. We have to believe in the ability of these teams because there is tremendous quality in African football.”

Renard’s assessment carries particular weight because he managed Morocco from 2016 to 2019. During three and a half years in charge, he led them to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, ending a 20-year absence from the tournament.

“I know Morocco well after spending three and a half years there,” he said. “I believe they have a system and organisation at the highest level, and they lack nothing compared with the best teams in the world.”

Renard said Morocco’s progress was the result of long-term work and investment in infrastructure rather than chance.

“Morocco understood things well and are moving on an upward curve,” he said. “Other African teams must follow their example. It requires budgets and infrastructure, and Africa must continue working in this direction.”