Herve Renard has named Siramana Dembele as his assistant manager after being officially presented as the new Cote d’Ivoire head coach.
Renard used his first media conference since taking charge to confirm four members of his technical staff, including Dembele, who will work alongside him for the next two years.
The 49-year-old Franco-Ivorian has experience of working at several prominent clubs, including Standard de Liege, Braga, Nantes, Porto, Al-Ittihad and AC Milan. At AC Milan, he worked under Sergio Conceicao.
Renard highlighted Dembele’s background at the highest level as one of the reasons for appointing him. The pair are already familiar with each other, having previously worked together in Saudi Arabia while Renard was in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team.
Dembele’s appointment is the most significant element of the new-look backroom team announced by Renard, who has returned to lead Cote d’Ivoire. The head coach also confirmed the appointments of David Barriac as physical trainer and Alexandre Kerveillant as video analyst.
Former Cote d’Ivoire international Aruna Dindane will remain in his role as Team Manager.
The announcement gives Renard the main members of the staff who will support him during his first two years back in charge of the national team. Dembele will serve as his principal assistant, while Barriac and Kerveillant will oversee physical preparation and video analysis respectively.
Renard’s decision to bring in Dembele also reunites the pair after their previous experience together in Saudi Arabia. Their past working relationship was referenced during the coach’s first press conference following his official presentation.
Dembele’s career has included spells or roles connected with Standard de Liege, Braga, Nantes, Porto, Al-Ittihad and AC Milan, with his time at the Italian club coming under Conceicao. Renard believes that experience will strengthen the technical team around the Cote d’Ivoire squad.
The former international Dindane is the only member of the four-person group whose position was confirmed as continuing rather than newly appointed. He will retain responsibility as Team Manager under Renard’s leadership.
Renard therefore begins his new spell with Cote d’Ivoire with Dembele as his assistant, Barriac responsible for physical preparation, Kerveillant working on video analysis and Dindane remaining Team Manager.
