“I should have stayed” – Hervé Renard regrets 2019 Morocco exit

French coach Hervé Renard has acknowledged that stepping down as head coach of Morocco in 2019 was a mistake, admitting he should have seen out his contract with the national team.

Renard, who currently manages the Saudi national side, resigned from his role with Morocco following their round of 16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated by Benin. At the time of his departure, his contract was due to run until 2022.

Speaking during an interview on the Colin Interview platform on YouTube, Renard reflected on his decision.

“I should have stayed with the Moroccan national team and not left,” Renard said during an interview with the Colin Interview platform on YouTube.”

He added, “I lived in Morocco for three and a half years, and I left a part of my heart there, and I had to continue until the end of my contract in 2022.”

During his tenure, Renard guided the Atlas Lions back to the FIFA World Cup in 2018, ending a 20 year absence from the global tournament. Looking back, he admitted that his experience after leaving the role only reinforced his regrets.

The French tactician stated, “What I found after leaving the Moroccan national team confirmed to me that the decision to leave was not the right one.”

He also revealed his continued emotional connection to the team.

“I cheered for the Moroccan national team against France in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup,” the Frenchman added.