Foot: Hervé Renard “loaned” by France to Ivory Coast? The FFF in reflection

The announcement quickly traveled through the FFF offices. According to L'Équipe, information that we can confirm, Hervé Renard was approached by Côte d'Ivoire to take charge of the Elephants selection, with a view to the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations on Monday against Senegal . Without a coach since the resignation of Jean-Louis Gasset, replaced by his deputy Emerse Faé, after the scathing setback against Guinea (0-4) and a disappointing first round, the Ivorian leaders are seeking to mount a commando operation and create an electric shock in order to not to be ridiculous in a competition that they aim to win. The name of Renard quickly came up as the providential man.

The idea would be to entrust the team to the French technician, under contract until August 2024 with the Bleues, for exceptional freelance work. The latter, winner of the CAN with Zambia... and Ivory Coast in 2012 and 2015, enjoys immense popularity in Africa. His name has also been rumored to take control of Algeria, which is no longer coached by Djamel Belmadi since the elimination of the Fennecs. Renard, who knows all the major African selections and keeps an eye on a football that he appreciates in this region of the world, would already bring more credit in a few days than the current replacements for Jean-Louis Gasset, overwhelmed by events.

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Contacted by us, Hervé Renard, whose adventure with the French women's team will end after the Olympics, did not wish to speak. But according to our information, he would like the idea, only if his bosses at the FFF give him the green light. Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian federation, contacted his French counterpart, Philippe Diallo to obtain the “loan” from the Blue coach until the end of the CAN, the final of which is scheduled for February 11 in Abidjan. The two institutions did not wish to comment on the information, but the subject is on the table and was discussed this Thursday afternoon at the headquarters of the French federation.

In terms of planning, this may be possible because the Blues are expected at Clairefontaine on February 19, in order to prepare for the Nations League semi-final against Germany in Lyon on the 23rd. Hervé Renard's mission in Ivory Coast, if this comes to fruition, would begin in the coming hours, with a possible finish as early as Monday evening, or, at best, a run to the final. The ball is in the FFF’s court.