After Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a new chapter began with Aliou Cissé stepping down as head coach of the Lions. Hervé Renard’s name quickly surfaced in discussions within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) as a potential successor.
With no contract binding him, the former coach of Ivory Coast, Morocco, and more recently, the French women’s national team, seemed like the perfect fit. Talks did take place, as confirmed by the French coach, but they didn’t lead to an agreement. The FSF ultimately chose Pape Thiaw, a decision that proved wise: the Senegalese coach led the Lions to a second continental title, clinched on January 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique to promote his book Me, Football, Africa, Hervé Renard reflected on this episode and explained why the negotiations fell through.
“In Senegal, not all the conditions were met, even though I genuinely wanted to take on this challenge,” he said, mentioning a mutual interest that ultimately couldn’t finalize the deal.
Deeply attached to the African continent, Renard has a special bond with Senegal. In a relationship with a Senegalese woman and owning a house in the country, he seemed destined for a return to an African bench.
Now the head coach of Saudi Arabia, Hervé Renard does not rule out another experience in Africa.
“If a well-structured federation offers me an ambitious sports project, I would be interested. Financial aspects have never been my priority. I feel good in Africa and I will return one day,” he stated.
These comments hint at a possible return to the continent in the medium or long term for one of Africa’s most decorated coaches.
