Renard: "Africa Cup in Morocco Was Fantastic, I'm Convinced Diaz Will Bounce Back"

French coach Hervé Renard expressed his great admiration for the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, considering it one of the most successful editions. Renard told RMC radio: "I found the Africa Cup in Morocco to be fantastic. It was like a meal where everything was very good, except for the last course."

The French coach confirmed that he followed all matches of the tournament without exception. He stated: "I watched every match, I didn't miss a single second, and unfortunately, the competition ended in a somewhat sad way."

Regarding the tense atmosphere in the final, Renard said: "It's true that such actions cannot be condoned, because if we open this door, all matches will become endless." However, he added: "In a moment like this, mistakes can be made; this can happen to anyone, but it happened at a very bad time."

Regarding the penalty kick taken by Brahim Diaz in a 'Panenka' style, Renard expressed his astonishment. He said: "The feeling was one of not understanding. We all played football, and any player can miss a penalty; it has even happened with great players like Maradona."

Renard continued: "The question is the manner... Was it recklessness? Was it pressure? Or a last-minute change of mind? Or was it a desire to score down the middle for a goal that would remain in history?"

Renard called for facing the truth and moving past the incident, emphasizing: "The truth must be told, and this is important. In football, if you are not able to turn the page, you will not be able to progress. Yes, this is a big mistake, a huge mistake, but the real strength in football is mental strength."

He admitted that overcoming this moment would not be easy: "It will not be easy to get past this, whether in March if he is called up, or in June during the World Cup."

Despite the disappointing end for Morocco, Renard expressed his confidence in the player, stating: "Brahim Diaz plays for a very big club, and I am convinced that he will succeed in bouncing back with the help of his federation, his coach, and his teammates."

He concluded his remarks by saying: "The greatest champions are those who bounce back the quickest. With time, this scene will turn into just a bad memory."