Herve Renard names Wendie Renard as National Team Captain

Wendie Renard led a players' revolt that saw former manager Corinne Diacre sacked ahead of the World Cup

Herve Renard names Wendie Renard as National Team Captain

Ayoola Kelechi 21:35 - 03.04.2023

New France coach Herve Renard has reinstated Wendie Renard as captain of national team

New France Women National team manager Herve Renard has named namesake Wendie Renard (no relation) as the captain of the team after consulting with other players.

Herve Renard reinstates namesake as France captain

In what is 54-year-old’s first action as coach of the National team, the two Africa Cup of Nations winner decided to select the Lyon captain to lead the national team believing that she will return to the fold after earlier announcing her retirement due to a dispute with the former head coach Corinne Diacre.

Wendie Renard already opened the door to a possible return to the National team after Diacre’s sack, saying that she would be inclined to rejoin the team if the new manager would have her.

Wendie Renard receiving an award as part of FIFPro's World XI for 2022 (Just Pictures)
Wendie Renard receiving an award as part of FIFPro's World XI for 2022 (Just Pictures)

Herve Renard’s emphatic response to her confession was to not only include the eight time European champion in his team, but also to reinstate her as captain.

Herve Renard keen to have strong group going into the World Cup

Speaking ahead of France’s preparatory friendlies ahead of the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Renard has declared his choice for captaincy saying, "I summoned three players, after consultation with the technical staff. Unanimously appointed captain Wendie Renard, and two vice-captains, Grace Geyoro and Eugénie Le Sommer.

“I always prefer to talk to the players about it before, having their full support. Now, everyone must play their role, on the field, outside the field. Group life is important.”

France Women’s national team head coach Herve Renard
France Women’s national team head coach Herve Renard

In addition to Wendie Renard as captain, the former Zambia and Ivory Coast manager also selected Grace Geyoro and the France’s all-time top scorer Eugenia Le Sommer as vice-captains of the National team.

Le Sommer is another to be reintegrated into the squad after she was also exiled under Diacre and she will be happy to regain her standing in the National team ahead of the World Cup in July.

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