French football technician Hervé Renard has officially returned to Côte d’Ivoire as head coach of the Elephants but face a mammoth challenge to get the Elephants in a good place.
He was presented to the press on Thursday at the headquarters of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF).
Speaking to the media, the new coach acknowledged the high expectations of the Ivorian people for the Elephants, who boast a squad of exceptional quality.
Aware of the immense pressure, the new Elephants coach, emphasised the importance of teamwork to guide the national team towards major trophies.
“To achieve great things, we succeed together, with a great country, a great federation, a great president, a strong partnership with the coach, and players focused on the objectives,” he stressed.
Hervé Renard’s first major test will come in September against Ghana’s Black Stars, as part of qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).
It’s a particularly significant match for the coach, who began his African career in 2007 as an assistant in Ghana.
While praising a “solid and disciplined” Ghanaian team coming off a strong 2026 World Cup run, Renard warns: “This match will be anything but easy.”
Between late training camps and summer transfers, the national team coach is already working to assemble the best possible squad despite the challenges of the early season.
When asked about the Elephants’ current form, Renard, the 2015 winner, declined to compare generations. Reflecting on their elimination in the second round of the 2026 World Cup, he made a point of paying tribute to their opponents. “The real reason (for the Elephants’ elimination) was the immense quality of this Norwegian team, which had eliminated Italy and was among the best teams in this World Cup,” the French coach suggested.
Hervé Renard also sent a strong message to those involved in the local league: the doors to the national team are not closed to any player from the Ivorian Ligue 1, as long as they demonstrate quality and solid performance.
Hervé Renard warmly congratulated Ivorian striker Yan Diomande, who is making history at Real Madrid, emphasising that after a very successful season with his club and a remarkable World Cup, the player is simply reaping the rewards of his hard work.
The new Elephants coach made a point of thanking the president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Yacine Diallo, as well as the highest state authorities for this opportunity.
The real work begins immediately with a first working meeting scheduled very soon to prepare for the crucial match in September.
Hervé Renard officially succeeds Emerse Faé.
AP/Sf/fss/as/APA