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Rabat – Head Coach of France’s national women’s football team Herve Renard has emphasized the importance of not underestimating Morocco, acknowledging the Atlas Lionesses’ presence in the World Cup’s knockout stage was not a mere coincidence.
Renard, who coached the Moroccan men’s football team between 2016 and 2019, also reminisced about his cherished memories in Morocco, but shifted focus to the upcoming round of 16 game and his team’s commitment to secure a victory and qualify for the next round.
“Even when we have a kickabout with friends, we want to win, and we are here to win and qualify for the next round,” the French coach said during a pre-match conference on Monday.
Renard, who led the Atlas Lions to the 2018 World Cup, went on to emphasize the significance of respecting their opponents and the competitive nature of this last-16 tie.
“Morocco are not here by chance. This is a match of the same caliber as our game against Brazil,” he added.
Speaking about the Moroccan team, Renard conveyed his admiration for their capabilities. “We respect them but we are focused on ourselves,” he said, underlining that Les Bleues are fully aware of the challenges that Morocco could pose on the pitch.
Read also: Morocco’s Coach Pedros: ‘I Will Have No Qualms About Beating France’
The coach also highlighted the talent and experience within the French team.
“There is a lot of experience in this France team,” he explained. “I am here to guide them as much as I possibly can, but I get the feeling that they would do just fine on their own if I were not here.”
Renard wrapped up his press conference with a confident yet cautious sentiment, saying that only one French coach would remain in the quarter-finals.
“There will be just one French coach left in the quarter-finals. I hope it will be me,” he said, referring to Morocco’s French coach Reynald Pedros.
World Cup debutants Morocco will lock horns with France at 12:00 GMT+1 on Tuesday at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Australia.
