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Rabat – Former head coach of the national football team Herve Renard denied rumors that he will manage another African team after the Atlas Lions.
In a Facebook post, the Frenchman said that, while he will be moving to new pastures, his new coaching post will not be on the African continent.
Renard said: “In order to put an immediate end to rumours which are totally unfounded, I will announce in a few days my choice but I can already say as I did a few months ago that it will not be on the African continent.”
On Sunday, July 21, Renard wrote a lengthy post on his social media accounts to announce his resignation.
Bidding farewell to Morocco, Renard said in his instagram post on July 21, “Football creates the wildest hopes.” He added that it is time for him to “close this long and beautiful chapter” of his life.
President of the Moroccan Football Federation ( FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa confirmed the resignation of Renard on Monday, July 22.
Lekjaa said that the resignation of the French coach will be effective after 15 days .He added that a specialized commission will be set up next week to evaluate resumes of candidates to replace Renard and manage the national team.
Renard was in contract until 2022. FRMF appointed the former coach in 2016.
Several Moroccan football players addressed messages to the coach to thank him for his services and help during his time with the Atlas Lions.
International football players Mehdi Benatia and Younes Belhanda thanked the former head coach of the Atlas Lions for his three-years of service with the national team.
Benatia took to his social media accounts to express the friendship he feels for Renard.
“Thank you for these three years together,” Benatia said. He added that despite difficulties the team faced, the Atlas lions did reach some of their goals.
“We have achieved some of our goals… We certainly deserved better and could have done better!,” he added.
Benatia said that he will always remember Renard as a positive gentleman with good values.
“I wish you the best and many good things in your future projects. I have no doubt that we will have the opportunity to meet again off the field and it will always be with great joy. Thank you coach,” Benatia concluded his statement.
Belhanda also expressed “endless thanks” to Renard, who “has done valuable work for the national football.”
“He achieved several accomplishments, including leading us to the World Cup, a dream for all Moroccans,” wrote Belhanda.
