This Thursday, March 30 marks the beginning of the Hervé Renard era. Shortly after noon, the 54-year-old man appeared at the premises of the French Football Federation, dark shirt on his back and a smile on his face, welcomed by Philippe Diallo, acting president. In the afternoon, his appointment at the head of the French women’s team must be formalized by the executive committee of the FFF, ten days after the choice made by the members of the federal mission (Jean-Michel Aulas, Laura Georges, Marc Keller and Aline Riera).
But Hervé Renard did not wait for this day to get to work. And the list he will announce on Friday at 12 p.m. for the April meeting (friendly matches on 7 and 11) has been taking shape for several days already.
One of his first decisions concerns the “rebellious”, these players who announced, at the end of February, their withdrawal from the selection, causing the departure of Corinne Deacon in office for six years. The Parisians Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and the Lyonnaises Wendie Renard, Perle Morroni or Griedge Mbock had positioned themselves.
Katoto and Mbock at the World Cup… if they are fit
According to our information, Hervé Renard will summon Kadidiatou Diani, the top French scorer of the season, and Wendie Renard, captain of Les Bleues, who is one of the best defenders in the world, this Friday.
The cases of Marie-Antoinette Katoto or Griedge Mbock differ since the Parisian and the Lyonnaise are long-time injured (knee). Hervé Renard has taken the time to call them in recent days to convey his confidence. If they are recovered and in a condition to compete in the World Cup, they will be part of the adventure in Oceania.
Friday’s list will be expanded to the maximum. Because this gathering will be the first of the new coach but the last before the preparation for the 2023 World Cup, in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 – August 20). The technician and his staff want to observe as many players as possible, at least in training, in order to refine their ideas. In this context, Perle Morroni, no longer selected since April 2022, could also be recalled.
“The FFF wishes to recall that no individuality is above the institution”, wrote the authority in a brief press release at the time of the slingshot at the end of February. But no sanction had been decided by the comex of February 28 after this position.