Rabat - Will he stay or will he go? Hervé Renard’s fate is now preoccupying Moroccan football fans’ conversations. After Morocco’s disappointing exit from the 2018 World Cup, there is doubt about the future of the French coach with the national team.
Rabat – Will he stay or will he go? Hervé Renard’s fate is now preoccupying Moroccan football fans’ conversations. After Morocco’s disappointing exit from the 2018 World Cup, there is doubt about the future of the French coach with the national team.
“Very proud to have been your coach at all for this World Cup” wrote Renard on his Instagram, after Morocco’s last game with Spain (2-2) which has sparked controversy over “unfair” use of VAR. The post is raising many questions among Renard’s fans who want him to stay with the Moroccan team.
Following the rumors, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President, has given assurances in an interview with Medi 1 TV that he will give answers in July.
“At the end of the World Cup, I will sit with Hervé Renard and have a discussion regarding his future with the Atlas Lions,” he said, recalling that the national team must play a game against Malawi on September 7 as part of the pre-2019 African Cup of Nations (CAN).
The president of the FRMF considers that the national team should move on and continue to progress with or without Renard.
“The team belongs to Moroccans, and its performance should continue to improve. Our level is now recognized worldwide,” Lekjaa said, adding that “no one should be indispensable to the national team.”
FRMF had previously thanked the Frenchman for the team’s performance in Russia. Lekjaa reportedly reiterated his trust in Renard, saying the Moroccan public liked and appreciated what he and his men showed in Russia.
Under contract with Morocco until 2022, Renard has received offers from the Egyptian and Algerian federations. According to Arabic outlet Al Massae, Egypt, which will separate from coach Hector Cuper after a disappointing World Cup, is seriously thinking of recruiting Renard.
As for Algeria, the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Kheireddine Zetchi, has announced that Hervé Renard is on the waiting list of potential coaches for the Algerian selection to replace coach Rabah Madjar after his departure.
Among Moroccan players, the general mood is that Renard should stay. Players say they are happy with his coaching style and his approach to the game. “He must stay. He should not go,” said midfielder Mbark Boussoufa. Boussoufa added: “The coach has done a remarkable job, and he should be allowed to continue what he started two years ago.”
Hervé Renard has not yet made any public statement regarding his future with the Atlas Lions following the team’s World Cup performance. He has said he would make an announcement at the appropriate time.
