Hervé Renard’s tenure as head coach of the Moroccan national team, which began on February 16, 2016, was marked by a mixture of highs and lows, culminating in an unexpected departure on July 21, 2019. The two-time African champion left Morocco following a surprising Round of 16 elimination at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that stunned fans and left a bitter taste for the coach, players, and supporters alike. Despite this disappointing exit, Renard reflects positively on his overall achievements with the Atlas Lions.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Renard reviewed his time in Morocco, emphasizing the progress the national team made under his leadership. When he took over, Morocco was ranked 81st in the FIFA rankings, a position that reflected underperformance on the international stage. By the time he left in 2019, the team had climbed nearly forty places, a testament to the strides made during his tenure. The team qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarter-finals, secured a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and achieved a historic performance in the 2019 AFCON group stage with three victories—a feat never before accomplished by Morocco.
Renard acknowledges that the ending of his Moroccan adventure was particularly disappointing. The Round of 16 match against Benin, which ended Morocco’s campaign, was decided by fine margins—a ball striking the post prevented a likely victory and brought the team’s run to a premature halt. Reflecting on the twist of fate, Renard commented, “That’s football, that’s how it is. We wanted to go as far as possible, and it ended with a twist of fate.” He described the elimination as a profound disappointment for everyone involved—players, coaching staff, management, and fans—but remained confident in Morocco’s future prospects.
Despite the sour ending, Renard believes the overall record and development of Moroccan football during his tenure are noteworthy. The national team’s progress in international rankings, consistent qualifications for major tournaments, and historic group-stage victories highlight a period of growth and improvement that laid a strong foundation for the team moving forward. He takes pride in the structure and competitive mentality instilled in the squad, which he hopes will benefit Moroccan football long after his departure.
Renard also expressed that the 2019 AFCON elimination, though painful, should be seen in the broader context of achievement and progress. While he does not intend to forget the circumstances surrounding the Round of 16 defeat, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the overall positive trajectory. Morocco’s rise in international football and its ability to compete consistently at the highest levels reflect the dedication of the players, staff, and management during his time at the helm.
In conclusion, Hervé Renard’s spell with Morocco was a period of historic accomplishments intertwined with moments of heartbreak. While the unexpected exit from the 2019 AFCON serves as a reminder of football’s unpredictability, Renard remains proud of the national team’s progress, confident in its potential, and appreciative of the legacy left behind during his tenure with the Atlas Lions.
