After Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the departure of Aliou Cissé, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) began searching for a new head coach. Among the candidates considered was Hervé Renard, who was free after his time with the French women’s national team.
Courted to take the reins of the Lions, the French coach ultimately will not join the Senegalese national team. The FSF opted for Pape Thiaw, a choice that paid off as he led Senegal to a second continental title, secured on January 18 in Rabat.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, during the release of his book Moi, le foot, l’Afrique, Hervé Renard discussed his talks with the FSF and the reasons for his decision not to come. “In Senegal, not all the conditions were met, but I wanted to take on this challenge,” he shared, mentioning a mutual interest that ultimately did not materialize. The coach, originally from Aix-les-Bains, also has personal ties to Senegal: he is in a relationship with a Senegalese woman and owns a residence in the country.
Currently the head coach of Saudi Arabia, Hervé Renard reaffirms his attachment to the African continent and does not rule out a return. “If a well-organized federation offers me a good sports project, I would be interested. Financial aspects are not my primary criterion; that has never been the case for me. I feel good in Africa, and I will return one day,” he assured.
