The Japan Times - Tunisia coach says 'I am no wizard' after World Cup SOS call

The 57-year-old Frenchman was parachuted in this week after Sabri Lamouchi was fired following the 5-1 hammering by Sweden on Sunday.

Lamouchi is the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after just one game.

The well-travelled Renard has had only three days with his new team and on Saturday they have a tough task against a talented Japan side in Monterrey, Mexico.

Renard has been nicknamed a "wizard" or "magician" because of his long success in the game and tactical nous.

He masterminded a 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup when he was Saudi Arabia coach.

Put to him that Tunisia's predicament meant they needed him to do something special, Renard said: "We must play a perfect collective game tomorrow.

"I've met with an open-minded group, a determined one, with spirit, they want their revenge."

He added: "When it comes to tomorrow's game, determination is essential.

"It is easy to talk. I heard that I've been named a wizard. I am no wizard.

"In football, there is a lot of work done."

In contrast to Tunisia's nightmare start to the tournament, Japan showed their quality in holding the Netherlands 2-2.

Renard, who refused to give details about how he might line his team up, said they "must go back to the basics and the fundamentals".

"Being rigorous, disciplined, play as one, as a collective team," he said in a rallying call.

"This is our only strength tomorrow."

K.Hashimoto--JT