Herve Renard says the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) contacted him about becoming the national team’s manager before selecting Patrick Vieira, but never followed up with a formal offer or explanation.
Vieira is expected to be officially presented as Senegal’s new coach, although he was not the only candidate considered by the federation. Renard, who is now in charge of Cote d’Ivoire, confirmed that he had been approached during the search.
“Yes, I received a call,” Renard told Canal+ Afrique.
However, the initial contact did not lead to further discussions. The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner said he waited for the Senegalese authorities to get back in touch, but that call never came.
Renard believes the FSF had another option it considered more attractive, apparently the one that ultimately led to Vieira, and changed direction without informing him.
“I was not warned,” he said.
Senegal had been among the possible destinations mentioned for Renard after he became available this summer. Although he did not appear particularly bitter about the episode, his account points to a breakdown in communication during the federation’s recruitment process.
Renard did not remain without a job for long. Cote d’Ivoire approached him at the same time, with his return strongly desired, and he accepted the opportunity to take charge of the team again. He previously led the Elephants to the continental title in 2015.
“We close the curtain and move on to something else,” Renard said.
While Senegal opted for Vieira, Cote d’Ivoire gave Renard the chance to revisit one of the most successful periods of his career.
Renard’s close ties to Senegal
The situation has added significance because of Renard’s strong personal links with Senegal. He regularly lives in Saly and is in a relationship with Viviane Dieye, a Senegalese businesswoman and the widow of former Senegal manager Bruno Metsu.
Those connections mean Renard knows the country and its football environment well. His comments have therefore prompted speculation over whether he was slightly frustrated by being left without an update.
That interpretation was given an extra twist by a recent assessment of Senegal’s principal continental rival. Asked about the current hierarchy in African football, Renard said Morocco were “number one in Africa in international competitions”, adding that nobody could dispute it.
His view reflects Morocco’s recent results and consistency, particularly under the Atlas Lions, whom Renard managed between 2016 and 2019.
The comment is more likely to represent the judgment of a coach with close knowledge of both countries than a deliberate criticism of Senegal. Nevertheless, its timing, coming shortly after his revelations about the FSF, is certain to raise a smile.