I used to be a cleaner after hanging up my boots, now I’m managing at the Women’s World Cup and have beaten Lionel Messi

HERVE RENARD worked as a cleaner after he quit playing but is now managing at the Women’s World Cup.

The Frenchman’s nomadic managerial career also saw him beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Herve Renard worked as a cleaner after hanging up his boots

However, Renard will now be taking charge of his native France in Australia and New Zealand this month.

He has come a long way from the start of his coaching career, though, which began with SC Draguignan.

After hanging up hs boots he took up a coaching role with the club alongside a job as a cleaner.

Reflecting on the period in 2019, he told the BBC: “I woke up at 2:30 in the morning, finished around noon and then left at 5pm for training at Draguignan.

“We trained and I’d return at around 9pm to eat and then go to bed at 11pm. That was my rhythm of life for eight years.”

Renard also completed his coaching badges whilst working as a cleaner.

“I’m proud of having done it,” he added. “Being a footballer is an exceptional life, we have a privileged life and we must not forget that.”

The 54-year-old later had a spell as manager of Cambridge in 2004 but has had most of his success in international football.

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A two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and the Ivory Coast, his Saudi Arabia side also impressed at last year’s World Cup.

Renard saw his side come from behind to beat eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match.

Herve Renard beat Argentina with Saudi Arabia at the World Cup in Qatar

He will be hoping for more success in Sydney on Sunday as France begin their Women’s World Cup campaign against Jamaica.

The 2019 hosts will also take on Brazil and Panama in the group stage.