Renard is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup stage. The French coach famously led Saudi Arabia to one of the tournament’s greatest upsets by beating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in 2022 which placed the Green Falcons on the footballing map with one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
The two-time AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) champion has been a sought-after man for several top African sides in recent years, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, as he prepares to appear in his third successive World Cup finals.
Renowned for his tactical acumen on the biggest stage, the 57-year-old’s main priority since his appointment would have been tightening up at the back having shipped ten goals in their last two, culminating in Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal after their 5-1 loss to Sweden.
Redemption on the agenda after a poor start
If anyone is capable of salvaging this perilous situation, Renard is a strong candidate yet his challenge of navigating to the round of 32 is a seismic one against a Japan side brimming with confidence following an impressive performance in their 2-2 draw to the Netherlands.
Renard emphasised the need to ‘get back to basics’.
“I found a receptive group, determined to play with a spirit of revenge for this second match,” Renard outlined.
“Everyone is aware of the extra effort which will be required against this Japanese team who are very disciplined.
“Our collective strength must be impeccable in order to face this team and the most important thing is to be well-organised with and without the ball.
“There is a spirit of revenge to be found and I hope that this will make the difference but talking is easy, now we must act.
“We need to play as a team, a team who is determined to move forward together and defend together.”
Looking to spring a surprise
Renard, who had a brief stint with Cambridge United in 2004 in his only spell in England, will head to North America with personal revenge on the cards. He was only sacked as Saudi Arabia boss in April despite guiding them to back-to-back tournaments.
The former France Women’s manager hopes to replicate the tournament’s early giant-killings, drawing upon Cape Verde’s success against Spain.
“The competition is a little bit different for sure than before and the games are very tough even for the favourites,” he explained.
“I think the big example is Cape Verde’s draw with Spain so this gives us big hope because when you are well-organised, together and able to compete we can follow these results.”
Committed to “bringing back smiles” to Tunisian faces
Even though they face a Japan outfit brimming with Premier League attacking quality, Renard is determined to restore national pride after their humbling defeat to Sweden.
“It is important not to be scared about anything,” he said.
“We need to respect them but we don’t fear them and there are no excuses to be made about that.
“It is a match which can bring back smiles and hope to people who are coming out of a disappointing result in the first match.”
Throughout the press conference, Renard spoke with the conviction of a proven winner and one who is fully focused on rescuing Tunisia’s troubling predicament.
His blunt, yet to the point response about his mindset ahead of the game is perhaps emblematic of a side who may not be down and out just yet.
“Very simply, if we thought we couldn’t win this match, it’s best to go home.”
