Thunderclap around the French women’s team. This Friday, at the beginning of the afternoon, Wendie Renard, 32 years old, the experienced captain of the Bleues announced on Twitter and Instagram her desire to give up the selection, five months before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Zeeland (July 20 – August 20).
She writes: “I defended the blue, white and red jersey 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism. I love France more than anything, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, far from the requirements required by the highest level. It’s a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come with this message to inform you of my decision to step back with the France team. Unfortunately, I will not do this World Cup in such conditions. »
She concludes her message with these words: “My face can hide the pain but my heart suffers… And I no longer want to suffer. Thank you for your support and respecting my decision. »
This decision risks causing quite a shock in the world of Les Bleues since, even if she is not named, it is the coach Corinne Diacre who is targeted here.
After numerous conflicts in recent years, notably with players from Olympique Lyonnais of which Renard is obviously a member – upon his arrival in 2017, Diacre had removed the captain’s armband from the Martiniquaise before returning it to her in September 2021 – the coach had seen his mandate extended until 2024 by Noël Le Graët following the last Euro, last July, where France was beaten in the semi-final by Germany.
Diacre had also decided, for several years, to no longer recall Lyonnaises Eugénie Le Sommer and Amandine Henry to the French team.
Last week, Les Bleues won the French Tournament without shining after a sad draw against Norway (0-0) preceded by successes against Denmark (1-0) and Uruguay (5-1). During the three matches, Deacon multiplied without convincing the tactical tests and the patterns of play, particularly in defense.
In recent days, Renard had recognized that it was complicated to embark on experimenting with a new tactical system due to the lack of “time” in selection, going against the choices of Corinne Diacre, who assumed responsibility for a “workforce review” and multiple “tests” a few months before the World Cup. Asked about the risks of a lack of automatisms between her players in defense, the coach even retorted: “We are not in a club, we cannot talk about automatisms as you say. We do not have time. Wendie has I don’t know how many caps, I don’t know how many matches in the Champions League, she doesn’t need automatisms. In the French team, it comes when we know each other. And if we don’t know the player we’re aligned with, we get information. The high level requires adaptation. »
A few minutes after Renard’s message was published, PSG striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto came to his support. In an Instagram story, she wrote: “Courageous, great woman” followed by a heart addressed to the Lyon captain. As a reminder, Katoto seriously injured her right knee during the last Euro. She has still not returned to competition but has undoubtedly had little taste for the recent return to the selection of Kheira Hamraoui recalled by Deacon for the French Tournament.
Delphine Cascarino also showed her “respect” for her partner in Lyon
The reactions also go beyond the framework of the France team. Thus Ada Hegerberg, the Norwegian of OL, first women’s Golden Ball in history, indicated on Twitter: “How long will we have to go through these moments for us to be respected? I’m with you, Wendie, and with everyone else going through the same process. It’s time to act “.
Another OL international to speak: the American Lindsey Horan. “I hope that Wendie will not be the only one who speaks,” she said. When things need to change, you need to have more people around you. I hope the French federation will take the necessary measures or we will miss a legend at the World Cup. With you Wendie. »