Tunisia have turned to Herve Renard to rescue their World Cup after sacking Sabri Lamouchi just one game into the tournament. It is an unprecedented move. Lamouchi becomes the first coach in World Cup history to be dismissed after a single match at the finals.
His fate was sealed by a chastening start. Tunisia were thrashed 5-1 by Sweden in their Group F opener in Monterrey. The federation acted within two days, confirming his exit this week.
Lamouchi had been in the job only since January. The former Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City boss signed a deal running until 2028. He oversaw just five matches, winning only once, a 1-0 victory over Haiti in March.
Reports also point to friction behind the scenes. ESPN cited unrest in the dressing room and tension between Lamouchi and the federation. The heavy defeat to Sweden simply brought matters to a head.
The TFF moved quickly to install a compatriot in his place. Renard, 57, has agreed to lead the side until the end of the World Cup. His first training session was set for Monterrey on Tuesday evening.
Few coaches know this stage better. Renard is managing at his third successive men’s World Cup, each with a different nation. He took charge of Morocco in 2018, then masterminded Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina in 2022.
His wider CV carries serious pedigree. Renard won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. He also led France to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
There is a twist to his return, too. Renard was due to manage Saudi Arabia at this tournament before his shock sacking in April. The Green Falcons drew 1-1 with Uruguay in Miami without him.
His task now is daunting. Tunisia face the Netherlands and Japan next, and must recover fast to keep their last-32 hopes alive.
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Also see – The Underdog’s World Cup: Why the 48-Team Format Could Change Football Forever
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