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Renard calls for patience with Diomandé, signed by Real Madrid for €140m

New Ivory Coast manager Hervé Renard has defended 19-year-old Yan Diomandé, who has seen limited playing time since arriving at Real Madrid for €140 million this summer, calling for patience ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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Renard calls for patience with Diomandé, signed by Real Madrid for €140m
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Hervé Renard dismissed any concerns about Yan Diomandé in an interview with Afrik-Foot, as the new Ivory Coast manager prepares his first squad list, expected on September 16.

Signed by Real Madrid this summer for €140 million, the 19-year-old Ivorian winger has struggled to establish himself since the start of the season: underused and still subdued when he plays, Diomandé has yet to convince. Renard nonetheless brushed aside doubts, aligning himself with José Mourinho’s position, who had himself called for “calm” and “patience” around the young player.

“Of course I am following Diomandé’s performances, as I did during the World Cup,” said the Savoyard coach. “And I believe José Mourinho said it all. You have to give the player time to settle in, he arrived late for pre-season, there is competition at Real. Mourinho didn’t bluff, he was very clear. You have to be patient with Diomandé.”

Double African champion with Zambia in 2012 and Nigeria in 2013, Renard approaches this first gathering with serenity. The Elephants have a busy schedule: two qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, against Ghana on September 24 then against Somalia on September 29, before a friendly against Cameroon on October 3 in Abidjan.

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