New Tunisia head coach Hervé Renard has dismissed suggestions that he can perform miracles, insisting that hard work, discipline and unity are the only ingredients capable of reviving the nation’s faltering World Cup campaign.
The experienced Frenchman was appointed earlier this week following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi in the aftermath of Tunisia’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group D fixture.
Lamouchi’s departure made unwanted World Cup history, becoming the first coach ever to be dismissed after managing just one match at the tournament.
Renard, 57, has had only three days to work with his squad before Saturday’s crucial encounter against Japan in Monterrey, Mexico, but remains determined to restore belief within the team.
Nicknamed the “Wizard” and the “Magician” throughout his globe-trotting coaching career, Renard earned widespread acclaim after masterminding Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, he was quick to reject any notion that Tunisia’s survival depends on magic.
“We must play a perfect collective game tomorrow,” Renard said.
“I’ve met with an open-minded group, a determined one, with spirit. They want their revenge.”
The former Zambia and Ivory Coast coach stressed that commitment and organisation would be essential against a technically gifted Japanese side.
“When it comes to tomorrow’s game, determination is essential,” he said.
“It is easy to talk. I heard that I’ve been named a wizard. I am no wizard.
“In football, there is a lot of work done.”
While Japan impressed in their opening 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, Tunisia arrive under intense pressure after their crushing loss to Sweden.
Renard, who declined to reveal his tactical plans, called on his players to embrace football’s fundamentals.
“We must go back to the basics and the fundamentals,” he said.
“Being rigorous, disciplined, playing as one, as a collective team.
“This is our only strength tomorrow.”
