‘I don’t see why I couldn’t have done both’ – Hervé Renard reacts to FFF rejecting Ivory Coast ‘loan’ proposal
The Ivory Coast launched a spectacular bid to loan Hervé Renard, manager of the France women’s national team, until the end of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, the France Football Federation (FFF) rejected the proposal. Speaking to L’Équipe, Renard has now reacted to the FFF’s decision to block the move.
Ivory Coast advanced to the knockout stages of this year’s AFCON by the skin of their teeth, advancing as one of the best third-place finishers. However, in the wake of the disappointment, Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked mid-tournament after a humbling 4-0 loss against Guinea.
In the wake of that sacking, Renard reveals that he was approached by the president of the Ivory Coast football federation, Idriss Diallo, as well as the African country’s president. “I couldn’t say no. Impossible,” said Renard, confirming that he had accepted the offer to join Ivory Coast on loan.
However, he would do so on one condition. “I want it, but there is no question of me leaving Les Bleues so you ask the management if they’ll accept me doing both,” the Frenchman told the president of the Ivory Coast football federation, adding that this point was “non-negotiable”.
The FFF were equivocal in their rejection of this proposal. “My first discussions with Philippe Diallo and Jean-Michel Aulas were clear on this. The debate is closed,” said Renard.
Renard hinted at a sense of disappointment at not being able to manage the Ivory Coast for the rest of the AFCON, but he is eager to take Les Bleues to the Paris Olympic Games at the end of the season. “I don’t see why I couldn’t have done both. It doesn’t matter. It was destiny and a magnificent challenge awaits us at the Olympic Games. We’ll have a great time,” he told L’Équipe.
GFF
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