“There is everything to do well” at the head of the Blue, swears Hervé Renard

The coach of the French women’s team Hervé Renard wants “give yourself every chanceTo take star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who has been injured for a long time, to the World Cup (July 20-August 20), he ured Sunday in an interview with theAFP.

A few days before the announcement of a first extended list for the World Cup, on June 6, the coach appointed at the end of March gives news of the other injured people and reconsiders his decision to accept this position, a “challenge“accepted despite a salary”20 times” inferior to his former position in Saudi Arabia.

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Looking back on your first two matches (victories against Colombia and Canada in April), how do you view your debut?

“There are a lot of things to refine but I’m satisfied with what the girls showed, with the way they got involved in these ten days of training. It was very smooth. It’s not always easy when you arrive in a different environment. But I think there is everything to do well.»

Did you feel a group marked by the recent turbulence?

“No. Place in the present and place in the future. I didn’t dwell on the past. I have a new look, an outside look. I arrive without prejudices, without taking into account what I have seen from very far away before. And we had ten days of perfect involvement from the players.»

You waived exceptional salary conditions, did you do so without the slightest hesitation?

“10 or 20 times? When we talk net, it’s 20 (laughs). I never hesitated. It is not the criterion that makes me progress in football, even if it is important, I walk by challenge and this challenge I do for other reasons.»

The list will be expanded a little more precisely to give a little more time to those returning from a long convalescence.

Herve Renard

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Marie-Antoinette Katoto, injured for almost a year, will she be able to be part of the list announced at the beginning of June?

“I don’t have the answer but we’ll give ourselves every chance. She’s in that state of mind so that’s good. But no one has the answer today. We will make sure to respect the medical aspect, the athletic aspect so as not to go against the physical integrity of this player who still has a bright future ahead of her. But if we can have him with us, I would be the first to be delighted.»

What about the physical condition of defender Griedge Mbock, injured since September?

“I don’t have a definitive answer but it’s a bit more complicated. Feasibility percentages vary. If we talk about Kadidiatou Diani (shoulder injury), the percentage will be much higher. For Marie-Antoinette, a little less. And then for Gledge, maybe a little less.»

Amandine Henry is on sick leave in Lyon and awaiting departure. She hasn’t played since early March. Aren’t you afraid of a lack of rhythm if you call it?

“She may miss a bit of competition, but she won’t miss training. She has to do whatever it takes to be ready, to want to.»

Will you announce an expanded list in early June?

“In my mind, the list will be a little wider to give just a little more time to those who return from a long convalescence. We will then see day by day, with a deadline probably just before leaving for Ireland for the preparation match (July 6). The players will also be there to win their place. This creates some competition across the group. The only drawback is having to tell a player that she is not part of the final selection. It’s very difficult, but it’s part of my job. But there are many who, deep down, must already know that they will be part of the final selection.