Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has backed Real Madrid’s decision to take a patient approach with Yan Diomandé, insisting the young winger needs time to adapt to life at the Spanish club.
Diomandé, 19, joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig this summer in a deal worth €125 million excluding bonuses, with the transfer potentially rising to around €145 million.
The move made him the most expensive African player of the summer and has placed considerable expectations on the Ivorian during his first months in Madrid.
Despite the size of the transfer, Diomandé has been used sparingly since arriving at Real Madrid and has yet to establish himself as a regular member of José Mourinho’s starting XI.
Renard, however, does not see the situation as a concern.
The Ivory Coast coach has instead backed Mourinho’s handling of the youngster, arguing that Diomandé should be allowed time to settle into his new surroundings and understand the demands of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“Of course I’m following Diomandé’s performances, just like I did during the World Cup. And I think José Mourinho has said it all. We need to give the player time to acclimatize, he arrived late for preseason, there’s competition at Real,” explained Hervé Renard.
Renard’s comments reflect the position already taken by Mourinho, who has stressed the importance of allowing the Ivorian winger to adjust to the tactical demands and intensity of Real Madrid.
The Ivory Coast coach believes there is little reason to rush the player’s integration despite the pressure created by his transfer fee.
“Mourinho wasn’t bluffing, he was very clear. We need to be patient with Diomandé.”
For Diomandé, the challenge is not only adapting to a new club but also competing for a place in a squad where there is significant competition for positions.
His arrival came with a huge price tag, but Renard is more interested in the player’s development than the financial figure attached to his transfer.
The coach’s support is significant for Diomandé as he continues to find his place at Real Madrid.
The teenager arrived from Leipzig with high expectations after the Spanish giants committed €125 million excluding bonuses to secure his services.
The total value of the deal could reach approximately €145 million, adding further scrutiny to his early performances.
The upcoming international break could provide an opportunity when Ivory Coast begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against Ghana on September 24.
