Herve Renard was contacted about becoming Senegal’s manager but says the move was dropped after an initial phone call failed to lead to further discussions.
The French coach revealed the approach while appearing on the programme Talents d’Afrique. The Senegalese Football Federation was assessing several candidates to take charge of the Lions of Teranga after Pape Thiaw was dismissed, with Renard among those considered.
Renard, the manager of Cote d’Ivoire, has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 2012 and 2015. He has also coached several national teams and is known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and organisation.
However, he said Senegal did not contact him again after the first call.
“Yes, I received a call,” Renard said. “But the time between the call and waiting for what would happen next was a little long, I would say.
“Perhaps they had another option that was more important to them, so they changed their minds. They did not tell me.”
Renard said he then focused on the opportunity with Cote d’Ivoire, where he wanted to work.
“I continued on my way and responded to the people who contacted me and, more importantly, they were in a place where I wanted to go: Cote d’Ivoire,” he added.
“We draw a line under it, move on and wish everyone good luck.”