The players who have requested the departure of former coach Corinne Deacon will be “waiting at the turn”, warned her successor Hervé Renard on Monday, demanding “perfect harmony” between Les Bleues and their technical support. At a press conference, the new coach of the French women’s team also announced that Wendie Renard would retain her status as captain. A strong choice a few months before the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Journalist : Did you know the Clairefontaine training center?
Herve Renard : “It was the first time that I set foot in the castle. I was in the national team a very long time ago (among young people, editor’s note), I did not have the chance to know Clairefontaine and all what it represents. On the doors of each room are noted the names of those who were there, it is something important. I have respect for the tricolor house. It is a pleasure, it has been a discovery day for me. I feel like a little child dreaming a little bit, I don’t want to take away this somewhat naive side. I take pleasure and I measure the chance of being here I have a lucky star, I landed in Didier Deschamps’ room, I’m going to try to hold it properly because he’s been there for so long that it’s almost attributed to him (smile) (…) That was a perfect day with the sun, in magnificent facilities, what more could you ask for?
Journalist : How to tame this new group?
Herve Renard : “It’s a part where I’m comfortable, I like to exchange a lot. I’ve already done it, I started. Sharing and transmitting what I feel, it’s a job that I love We can say unpleasant things, but with the form, it passes. It is important that everyone feels in perfect harmony. The speech was to tell them: + You are part of one of the best teams in the world , but to go for something big (at the World Cup this summer) there is still a significant margin to cross and it is not possible without total cohesion and an irreproachable state of mind+.”
Journalist : After Wendie Renard’s “coup”, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani (the last two are injured, editor’s note), will they have additional pressure?
Herve Renard : “They claimed things. In all objectivity, I think we can say that they got them. But they have duties, they know it. The responsibilities are tenfold. They did this in their soul and conscience , I will not comment on this, I prefer to abstain.I paid tribute to Corinne Deacon, for her results, and I am concentrating on my task with players who have claimed a change and who have had it. We’re moving forward, but we’re going to wait for them around the corner. But I’m sure they’re ready.”