Hervé Renard explains how he handled Ramadan in his previous locker room

In an interview with Le Figaro on Friday, the coach of the French women’s team Hervé Renard explains his management of Ramadan. The 54-year-old coach has been at the head of several teams made up of Muslim players, including Moroccan and Saudi selections.

From the Christophe Galtier affair to the temporary dismissal of Nantes’ Jaouen Hadjam, Ramadan, which ends this Friday, has become a sensitive subject in the world of football. But its management is not always a problem. Whether at the head of USM Algiers, the Moroccan or Saudi selection, Hervé Renard had under his orders several teams made up of Muslim players. The one who became coach of the Blue claims to have always managed the Ramadan period well.

“We talk too much about this subject”

“I’ve never had any problems on that side, confirms the 54-year-old technician on Friday, in the columns of the Figaro. We must respect the collective rules, I am talking about France which is a secular country, but we must also take into account that it is important for Muslims. Ramadan is a spiritual matter and a personal conviction. This is arguably the most important time of year for them. I have often spoken with players who tell me they feel better during this period, because this conviction is stronger than anything else.

For Hervé Renard, good management of Ramadan requires dialogue, listening but also rules. “Today, we talk too much about this subject, it causes debates, with people who barely know what they are talking about …, nevertheless regrets the coach of the Blue before concluding: “It is a very sensitive subject which sets fire everywhere. Too much sometimes.”