Renard puts squad management ahead of Patrick Zabi’s Cote d’Ivoire bow

Patrick Zabi’s first Cote d’Ivoire appearance will have to wait after Herve Renard left the Paris FC midfielder on the bench during Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Ghana.

The 18-year-old was called up to the senior squad for the first time and had been one of the most anticipated new faces in Renard’s team. But despite the Elephants establishing a two-goal lead, the young midfielder was not introduced, with other substitutes selected instead.

Renard, returning to the Cote d’Ivoire bench 11 years after leading the country to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title, said he would not allow public excitement around a player to dictate his decisions.

“I would like to please everyone, but the fact is that my job is not to please people. I am here to perform and win matches,” the France manager said after the match.

He added: “That does not mean that if he had been there, we would not have won the match, but there is a certain amount of management involved and things must not be done anyhow.”

The comments were not presented as a criticism of Zabi. Rather, they reflected Renard’s preference for managing the midfielder’s introduction carefully during his first involvement with the senior national team.

The circumstances of the match appeared to offer an opportunity for Zabi to make his debut. Malick Yalcouye put Cote d’Ivoire ahead shortly before half-time, before Franck Kessie converted a penalty to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage before the final 30 minutes.

Renard nevertheless opted for different changes. Christ Inao Oulai, Elye Wahi and Bazoumana Toure were among those given playing time, while Zabi remained an unused substitute.

The former Reims midfielder is regarded as one of the leading prospects of his generation in Cote d’Ivoire. His involvement with the Elephants is already a significant step, but Renard does not want to select him simply to mark the occasion.

The decision also underlined the manager’s approach to squad management as he begins his second spell in charge. Following his winning return against Ghana, Renard can approach the remainder of the international camp with greater calm.

For Zabi, the message is clear: his opportunity will come, but Renard intends to decide when it is right. The Frenchman’s record with Cote d’Ivoire includes the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, making him a double African champion.