Kalou compares Morocco coach Renard to Mourinho

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Oct 27, 2017. 15:00

Ivorian international Salomon Kalou has compared Morocco head coach coach Herve Renard to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Kalou spoke to ESPN ahead of Ivory Coast's last 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match which will be against Morocco in Abidjan on 11 November 2017.

Group C leaders Morocco are a point above Ivory Coast, who need to win in order to qualify for next year's finals which will be hosted by Russia.

Hertha Berlin forward Kalou has spoken of the similarities between former Ivory Coast coach Renard and Portuguese tactician Mourinho.

"It will be interesting [meeting Renard]," the 32-year-old foward said.

"He has a mental game going on. A bit like Mourinho.

“He will try to play this kind of game with us because he knows us very well," he added.

“But I don't think that will play a part. We have a good relationship with him, but we have to win."

Kalou was part of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Gabon under French tactician Renard's guidance.

The veteran attacker also worked with Mourinho during his stint with English giants Chelsea between 2006 and 2007.