Herve Renard, only just appointed, spoke to the media before Tunisia’s must-win Group F encounter
The Frenchman is tasked with lifting the Eagles of Carthage after a chastening 5-1 defeat by Sweden
Both the coach and captain Ellyes Skhiri believe the team will bounce back against Japan
The news took everyone by surprise. After only one match, Sabri Lamouchi was sacked as ’s head coach and swiftly replaced by a familiar figure on the international stage: fellow Frenchman . The trigger was a bruising in their opening Group F fixture, a result that followed an equally alarming 5-0 friendly defeat by Belgium in the build‑up.
With little time to waste, the Tunisian Football Association has placed its faith in Renard. His reputation as a motivator and his knack for galvanising squads could scarcely be more timely, with up next on Saturday, 20 June, in a contest that already feels decisive. The 57-year-old, for his part, appears clear-eyed about both the challenge and the opportunity.
“There are no excuses,” he said at a press conference 24 hours before kick-off. “We have to dig deep and find the resources to win a match that will restore belief and lift a nation still reeling from a disappointing opener.”
Renard wasted little time in making his presence felt. Upon arriving in Monterrey on 16 June, the former Morocco coach delivered the sort of rousing pep talk that has become his trademark, a clip of which quickly circulated on social media and thrilled Tunisian fans.
“If we were to go home today, you know what would happen,” he said in the viral video. “People are angry, and that’s understandable. But we’re at the World Cup. We have to respond, and fast. You’re fortunate to be here. So now we go again – let’s put things right!”
Captain Ellyes Skhiri, who joined Renard at the pre-match press conference, said that the squad was delighted with the arrival of the new coach and that he could already feel the effects of the Frenchman’s appointment.
“He brings a different energy and mindset. We’re following his lead, because it’s about what’s best for the team,” said the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder.
Many in Tunisia will hope Renard can pull off the feat he managed four years ago in Qatar, when he led Saudi Arabia to a stunning – the eventual world champions – in their opening match. The French tactician, however, has no intention of dwelling on his past achievements or his new team’s disappointing start to the campaign.
“I'm not interested in the past, only the next match against Japan,” he said. “I’m not even focusing on the third match [against ]. This second match is critical. We have to stay united, work as a team and show determination and focus.”
It is too early to measure the impact of Renard’s arrival on the Tunisian bench, but his presence and his reputation have injected a note of uncertainty into Japan’s preparations. The abrupt change could yet prove a shrewd call by the Tunisian decision-makers.
Sources: FIFA Official
