It’s all change for Renard Herve but not really a surprise for him as the French coach joins the technical team of the country’s national teams.
Renard, who turns 39 next month, who would double up as a physical trainer and assistant coach, teems up again with Claude Le Roy, whom he worked with during his days with Shanghai Cosco and English side, Cambridge United.
Talking to ghanafa.org in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Renard Herve who has secured a one-year deal with the Ghana Football Association expressed happiness with his new job and explains his role in the technical set up.
“I’m very happy to coming to Ghana. I will be the physical coach and also I can be an assistant on the field,” Renard said.
According to the new man, his coming to Ghana was partly motivated by Claude Le Roy though he craves for the international exposure too.
“I wanted to work with Mr. Le Roy and at the international level. Ghana is a very good opportunity for me. And I hope we can win the Africa Cup (CAN 2008).”
Renard believes Ghanaian players have unique qualities and can improve their standard.
“I think Michael Essien is a fantastic player. (John) Mensah is strong defender and Muntari is the very skillfull player. I think a lot of the players play in Europe with very good clubs. The Ghanaian players are very strong now and they can improve a lot with high level in Europe."
With competition for places expected to be keener ahead of next year’s African Cup of Nations, Renard admits that the coming months would be busy but believes the players must be ready for the competition.
“Now the players must be very concentrated for the target of January’s Cup of Nations. They must be very serious and motivated,” said the new technical man.
Next week, he begins his first duty in the Ghana dug out when the Black Stars play Senegal in an international friendly and Renard Herve is looking forward to meeting the squad.
“For me it will be a very good moment. It will be my first international game and I hope we can win this game.”
In his playing career, Renard Herve played alongside former France captain, Marcel Desailly during their days with the French under-17 team and also played in the Cannes academy with former three-time World best, Zinedine Zidane.
He also featured for the senior side of Cannes in the French Ligue 1 before taking up his managerial role which saw him assist Black Stars coach, Claude Le Roy at Shanghai Cosco and Cambridge United.
His last coaching job was with French side, AS Cherbourg.