Hervé Renard takes over Ivory Coast again as national team coach

With the renewed appointment, the Ivorian federation is banking on continuity and experience. Renard brings not only a personal connection to the team, but also international renown from further stints as a national team coach.

Most recently, Renard has worked for other African national teams, among others, and has made an international name for himself as a specialist in Africa Cup tournaments. This expertise is likely to also play a role in qualifying for and preparing for upcoming major events.

From the federation's inner circle, it was said that the personnel decision was intended to ensure continuity while at the same time providing fresh impetus for the upcoming tasks. Renard is regarded as a meticulous worker who stabilises teams defensively and sets them up with tactical discipline.

Outlook on upcoming tasks

Renard was officially presented on Tuesday, bringing the phase of searching for a coach to a close. The coming weeks will show in what personnel composition Renard begins preparations and which players he nominates for the upcoming qualifiers.

Observers see the move as a signal to the domestic football public: with a title winner from 2015, the intention is to build on past successes. The expectations of the federation and of Renard himself are correspondingly high.

According to federation information, Renard himself expressed confidence about the task and referred to his previous experience with African national teams. He stressed that he knew the quality and potential within the Ivorian squad.

With an eye to the upcoming international tournaments, the personnel decision is seen as an important building block. The federation hopes that Renard's experience will put the team in a good starting position for the next edition of the Africa Cup and in World Cup qualifying.

The Ivory Coast has been one of the established forces in African football for years. The return of a title winner to the dugout is intended to underscore this standing.