Hervé Renard calls for support of media in development of women’s football in France | OneFootball

New France women’s manager Hervé Renard has called for greater media support to help develop women’s football in his first press conference, attended by L’Équipe.

Renard, who recently left his position as manager of the Saudi Arabian national team to take over the reins of Les Bleues, emphasised that there is still much progress to be made in terms of coverage of women’s football.

Renard has identified the need for better quality coverage, stating that “there is a lot of progress to be made in the carrying out  [of coverage].” He believes that in order to make women’s football “more compelling” to a wider audience, it needs to “receive better and more significant exposure in the media“. Renard added that the support of the media is crucial in achieving this goal.

The new France women’s manager has been tasked with leading the team to glory in the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. Renard’s call for greater media support comes at a time when women’s football is gaining increasing recognition and popularity around the world.

Renard’s own interest in women’s football dates back to 2014, where he earlier said in the press conference he began following major competitions and the European success of French teams such as Olympique Lyonnais.

In his unveiling as the new manager of the French women’s team, he spoke of his desire to participate in a major competition with the team, citing the challenge and the thrill of such an experience.

In addition to his call for greater media support, Renard has already made his mark on the French team by recalling Eugenie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard to the side. The two players had been absent from the team for almost two years, but Renard believes that their experience and talent will be crucial to the team’s success in the upcoming World Cup.

GFFN | George Boxall