Tunisia interim coach Hervé Renard has urged his players to salvage pride and dignity in their final FIFA World Cup outing after a disastrous campaign that has already ended in elimination.
The experienced Frenchman was drafted in on an emergency basis last week following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match. However, Renard was unable to halt the decline as the North Africans suffered a crushing 4-0 loss to Japan, confirming their exit from the tournament.
Now preparing for a daunting Group D finale against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Renard has challenged his side to show character despite having nothing but honour left to play for.
“Football requires pride, even when the situation is difficult,” the 57-year-old said during his pre-match press conference at Arrowhead Stadium.
“You have to face these moments with dignity right until the end.”
Renard admitted he was deeply disappointed by Tunisia’s display against Japan and revealed he felt a sense of responsibility towards the nation’s supporters.
“After the Japan match, what I felt most was shame towards the Tunisian public rather than thoughts about the future,” he said.
“Now we must focus on this final game and try to achieve something that may seem difficult, but remains possible.”
Tunisia’s collapse has been all the more surprising given their dominant qualifying campaign, during which they remained unbeaten and did not concede a single goal. Yet an early Africa Cup of Nations exit and a troubled build-up to the World Cup have exposed deeper issues within the squad.
Renard believes the country still possesses the talent required to rebuild.
“There are quality players in this team who can form the basis of a fresh start,” he said. “After every disappointment there are lessons to be learned.”
The former Saudi Arabia manager is widely expected to leave after the tournament, although he declined to discuss his future.
“We still have one match to play,” he said. “After that, we will assess the situation. I am open to any decision, but right now my focus is entirely on this team.”