In a surprising turn of events, the Ivory Coast made a bold move to ask for Hervé Renard, the current manager of the France women’s national team, on loan for the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Regrettably, the France Football Federation (FFF) swiftly rejected this proposal, leading Renard to share his perspective on the decision with L’Équipe.Ivory Coast secured a spot in the AFCON knockout stages, albeit narrowly, as one of the best third-place finishers. Following a disappointing 4-0 loss against Guinea, their coach Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed mid-tournament.

Ivory Coast secured a spot in the AFCON knockout stages, albeit narrowly, as one of the best third-place finishers. Following a disappointing 4-0 loss against Guinea, their coach Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed mid-tournament.In the aftermath of Gasset’s departure, Renard disclosed that he was approached by Idriss Diallo, the president of the Ivory Coast football federation, and the country’s president. “I couldn’t say no. Impossible,” Renard admitted, confirming his acceptance of the offer to join Ivory Coast on loan.

In the aftermath of Gasset’s departure, Renard disclosed that he was approached by Idriss Diallo, the president of the Ivory Coast football federation, and the country’s president. “I couldn’t say no. Impossible,” Renard admitted, confirming his acceptance of the offer to join Ivory Coast on loan.However, Renard set a non-negotiable condition for this move. He insisted, “I want it, but there is no question of me leaving Les Bleues, so you ask the management if they’ll accept me doing both.”

However, Renard set a non-negotiable condition for this move. He insisted, “I want it, but there is no question of me leaving Les Bleues, so you ask the management if they’ll accept me doing both.”The Frenchman’s request faced an unequivocal rejection from the FFF. Renard stated, “My first discussions with Philippe Diallo and Jean-Michel Aulas were clear on this. The debate is closed.”

The Frenchman’s request faced an unequivocal rejection from the FFF. Renard stated, “My first discussions with Philippe Diallo and Jean-Michel Aulas were clear on this. The debate is closed.”While expressing a hint of disappointment at not being able to manage Ivory Coast throughout the AFCON, Renard emphasized his eagerness to lead Les Bleues to the Paris Olympic Games at the end of the season. “I don’t see why I couldn’t have done both. It doesn’t matter. It was destiny, and a magnificent challenge awaits us at the Olympic Games. We’ll have a great time,” he shared with L’Équipe.

While expressing a hint of disappointment at not being able to manage Ivory Coast throughout the AFCON, Renard emphasised his eagerness to lead Les Bleues to the Paris Olympic Games at the end of the season.

“I don’t see why I couldn’t have done both. It doesn’t matter. It was destiny, and a magnificent challenge awaits us at the Olympic Games. We’ll have a great time,” he shared with L’Équipe.