Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has included Yan Diomandé in his first squad since returning to the helm of the national team, signalling his continued confidence in the 19-year-old despite questions over his recent form at Real Madrid.
Renard announced a 25-man squad on Wednesday as he began his latest spell in charge of the Elephants, with Diomandé among those selected.
The inclusion of the teenager represents a clear show of faith from Renard, particularly after doubts had been raised about the forward’s place in the national team.
Diomandé has not been at his best since joining Real Madrid, according to the article, but that has not prevented him from retaining his position within the Ivory Coast set-up.
Renard also appeared to respond to criticism surrounding the youngster’s international selection, making a light-hearted remark after confirming Diomandé’s name.
“Some people were wondering whether he would be there.”
The French coach delivered the comment with a smile, in what was described as a wry response to questions that had been raised by the Spanish press about Diomandé’s place in the national team.
The decision to select the teenager underlines the status he has established with the Elephants despite his young age.
Diomandé has become an established member of the Ivory Coast squad during the second half of Emerse Faé’s time as coach. He has already made 14 international appearances and scored three goals for his country.
His latest call-up means that his involvement with the national team will continue under Renard, who has returned to lead the Elephants.
The 25-man squad is the first selected by Renard since his comeback, making Diomandé’s inclusion one of the notable elements of the announcement.
The coach’s decision comes against the backdrop of scrutiny over the teenager’s performances since his move to Real Madrid. Despite those concerns, Renard has chosen to maintain his trust in a player who has established himself internationally at only 19.
Rather than dropping Diomandé, Renard has placed him among the players selected for his first squad of his new spell in charge.
The coach also used the squad announcement to make a pointed response to those who had questioned whether Diomandé would be included.
After naming the player, Renard said: “Some people were wondering whether he would be there.”
The remark was made with a smile and was described as a response to the Spanish press, which had questioned Diomandé’s continued presence in the Ivory Coast national team.
Diomandé’s selection therefore carries significance beyond his place in the 25-man squad. It confirms that Renard intends to continue relying on a player who has become an established international despite being only 19.
His record for the Elephants currently stands at 14 caps and three goals, reflecting his growing involvement with the national side since the latter part of the Emerse Faé era.
Renard’s return has consequently begun with a vote of confidence in one of the younger members of the squad.
The Frenchman has made his position clear through his selection, retaining Diomandé despite the questions surrounding the player’s performances at Real Madrid.
For Diomandé, the call-up provides an opportunity to continue his international career and repay the confidence shown in him by the new Ivory Coast coach.
Renard’s first squad since returning to the Elephants includes 25 players, with Diomandé’s name among them and the coach making clear, through both his selection and his comment, that the teenager remains part of his plans for Ivory Coast.
