It’s a great team – Hervé Renard explains Ivory Coast return after 11-years

French tactician Hervé Renard has revealed the reasons behind his decision to return as head coach of Ivory Coast, 11 years after leading the Elephants to Africa Cup of Nations glory.

The 57-year-old French tactician was appointed to the position on August 4, marking a return to a team he previously managed between 2014 and 2015.

Renard enjoyed a memorable first spell in charge, guiding Ivory Coast to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title before leaving the role.

Having now agreed to take charge of the Elephants once again, the experienced coach says the quality within the current squad and the growing excitement surrounding the national team played a major role in his decision.

Speaking on the Canal+ Afrique programme, Renard explained that he was attracted by the strength of the Ivorian squad, the atmosphere around the team and the progress made during their recent World Cup campaign.

“I agreed to return to the Elephants’ dugout eleven years on because it’s a great team. It’s a team with players of the very highest calibre, a country buzzing with excitement, superb momentum, and a side that had a fine World Cup campaign. There’s still room for improvement. So it’s for all these reasons that I accepted the challenge of returning to Côte d’Ivoire,” Renard said.

The Frenchman believes Ivory Coast possess the quality and potential to achieve more, with the current generation of players providing him with a strong foundation to build on.

Renard’s return also comes with significant expectations given the success he enjoyed during his first stint with the national team. His 2015 triumph remains an important part of his coaching legacy in African football and has heightened anticipation surrounding his second spell.

The experienced coach will now be tasked with building on the momentum around the Elephants while addressing the areas he believes can be improved.

His immediate focus will turn to the upcoming international break, with Renard preparing to announce his first squad since returning to the Ivory Coast dugout.

The squad announcement will provide the first indication of the Frenchman’s plans and the players he intends to rely on as he begins his second chapter with the Elephants.

With a talented squad at his disposal and high expectations from Ivorian supporters, Renard will be hoping to replicate the success of his first spell and once again lead Ivory Coast towards major international honours.