Herve Renard has confirmed Barry Copa as the new goalkeeper coach for Cote d’Ivoire, while ruling out an immediate place on his staff for former captain Serey Die.
Renard made the announcements on Wednesday as he unveiled his first squad since returning to lead the Elephants. Serey Die, who won 61 caps and scored twice for his country, will not join the senior coaching team.
The former midfielder holds a UEFA C Licence and is continuing his training towards a CAF B Licence. Renard said Serey Die would instead begin his coaching career with a youth national team, allowing him to gain further experience.
Barry Copa, meanwhile, has been brought into the senior set-up as goalkeeper coach. His appointment represents a reconciliation with Renard, after the pair’s relationship deteriorated following Cote d’Ivoire’s success at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations during the Frenchman’s first spell in charge.
The tension centred on Barry Copa’s position in the goalkeeping order. He was moved down the pecking order, a decision he experienced as a particular humiliation.
Barry Copa, who made 86 appearances for Cote d’Ivoire, had been restricted to a place on the bench during the tournament. He played in the final only after the first-choice goalkeeper, Sylvain Gbohouo, suffered an injury.
He announced his retirement from international football one month later, in March 2015.
Cote d’Ivoire will begin their preparations for the next stage of their international programme with three fixtures in September and October.
The Elephants face Ghana in Bouake on 24 September, before meeting Somalia four days later in Abidjan at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny. Both matches are part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Renard’s side will then play Cameroon in a friendly on 3 October in Abidjan at stade Alassane Ouattara.