Herve Renard will hold his first news conference as Cote d’Ivoire’s new head coach on Thursday, after the Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) confirmed the timing of his official presentation.
The Frenchman will meet journalists at 14:00 French time, which is 12:00 in Cote d’Ivoire, according to a statement released by the federation.
Renard was officially confirmed as the Elephants’ coach on Tuesday, returning to the position 11 years after leaving the national team. His first public appearance since taking charge again is expected to provide an explanation for his return, while also offering an early indication of his plans for his second spell.
The Aix-les-Bains-born coach is likely to outline what will define his new mandate as Cote d’Ivoire prepare for their next competitive commitments. His first match since coming back will take place during the international window running from 21 September to 6 October.
That fixture will mark the beginning of the Elephants’ campaign in the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Renard’s previous match in charge of Cote d’Ivoire was played on 29 March 2015, one month after he guided the team to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. The three-time African champions drew 1-1 with Nzalang Nacional in that final match of his first tenure, with Max-Alain Gradel scoring the equaliser in the 71st minute.
He will now work again with Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare, both of whom he coached during his first period in charge. The squad selected for his return is therefore being awaited with considerable interest.
The forthcoming news conference will be Renard’s first opportunity to speak directly about the decision to rejoin Cote d’Ivoire and the priorities he has set for the team. His appointment comes ahead of the Elephants’ next major objective: beginning their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Renard previously led Cote d’Ivoire to the continental title in 2015, and his return brings him back together with a national side he left after the team’s early post-tournament fixtures. The draw against Nzalang Nacional remains his last match in his previous spell, when Gradel’s second-half goal secured a point after the hosts had taken the lead.
With his presentation now scheduled, attention will turn to the coach’s first comments and to the players he chooses for his first squad since returning to the Elephants.
