Hervé Renard: When Tunisia contacted me, I didn't hesitate for a second; I feel for Lamouchi

Tunisia's new head coach, Hervé Renard, conducted his first training session with the team, shortly after swiftly replacing Sabri Lamouchi. The previous manager was dismissed following a heavy 1-5 defeat to Sweden in the "Carthage Eagles'" opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

The 57-year-old Frenchman has just four days to prepare the squad for their second Group F encounter against Japan on Saturday.

"Right now, we need to focus on ourselves," Renard told reporters at the team's training base, hours after arriving in Monterrey. "We still have a few days to get ready."

Renard led Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the "Green Falcons" secured a shocking 2-1 victory over favorites and eventual champions Argentina. At the 2018 World Cup, his Morocco team drew against Spain but failed to advance past the group stage.

The specialist shared his eagerness to once again experience the thrill of the tournament. "This is a World Cup," he said. "I know the passion that accompanies this event. That's exactly what motivated me to come, and it's a challenge that isn't easy."

When Tunisia contacted me, I didn't hesitate for a second. In football, where there's life, there's hope. I know Sabri (Lamouchi) personally, and when something like this happens to a coach, I always put myself in his shoes because I've experienced it in my career. And it hurts a lot. He deserves our respect. He's the one who paid the price for that first failed match, and I'm convinced the players know it and feel for him."

This isn't the first time Renard has replaced Lamouchi. The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner also succeeded his French counterpart in 2014 at the helm of Ivory Coast after the team's group stage exit from the World Cup.

The task for Renard to guide Tunisia out of the group stage for the first time in the country's seven World Cup appearances will be exceptionally difficult. Following their loss to Sweden on Sunday, the "Carthage Eagles" need strong results against Japan and group favorites Netherlands to progress.

"I told them they need to keep their heads up. You are here to represent your country," Renard concluded.