Herve Renard says Senegal ended coaching approach after initial contact

Herve Renard has revealed that he was considered for the Senegal job but that talks with the Senegalese Football Federation ended after an initial phone call.

The French coach, who is currently manager of Cote d’Ivoire, said the contact came after Pape Thiaw was dismissed and Senegal began examining several options to take charge of the Lions of Teranga.

Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 2012 and 2015, and has managed several national teams. He is also known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and organisation.

Speaking on the Talents d’Afrique programme, Renard said Senegal’s interest did not progress beyond the first approach.

“Yes, I received a call. The time between the call and waiting was a little long, I would say,” he said.

“But perhaps the people had an option that was more important to them. So they changed their minds. They did not tell me.”

Renard said he then focused on the opportunity to manage Cote d’Ivoire, a country he wanted to work in.

“I carried on with my journey. I responded to the people who contacted me and, moreover, they were in a place where I wanted to go: Cote d’Ivoire,” he added.

“We close the curtain, move on to something else and wish everyone good luck.”