Renard slams Ivorian defence after heavy Cameroon defeat
Ivory Coast head coach Hervé Renard has delivered a scathing assessment of his side’s defensive frailties following their 4-1 defeat to Cameroon, describing the performance as a wake-up call for the entire team.
A week on from the crushing loss in Yaoundé, Renard remains visibly frustrated. Speaking on the official website of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), the Frenchman criticised his players’ lack of defensive organisation and discipline throughout the match.
“After spending 10 days with the entire squad, I am very unpleasantly surprised by the lack of defensive discipline,” Renard admitted. “By defensive discipline, I mean the ability to remain organised, even when we are attacking.”
The former Zambia and Angola coach made it clear that the defensive issues run deep and will require time and significant adjustment. “It will take me time to find the right balance — from the goalkeeper to the first striker. What hurt us most was the lack of discipline across the board.”
Despite the stinging nature of the defeat, Renard hopes the result can act as a much-needed jolt to the team’s system and mentality. “It’s a defeat that hurts, but it could prove to be beneficial,” he said. “There are always lessons to be learned, and I hope this one resonates not only with the players but also with the coaching staff, the federation, and our supporters.”
Renard added that the match served to expose long-standing vulnerabilities. “Our weaknesses were laid bare in broad daylight,” he concluded.
The Elephants will now face mounting pressure to regroup and respond with stronger performances in the upcoming fixtures, as Renard seeks to instill the discipline he believes is essential to restoring Ivory Coast’s continental standing.
