Wendie Renard adapts at Lyon after France omission as Champions League test looms | OneFootball

Dropped by France and working under a rotation-minded new coach at Lyon, Wendie Renard has seen her role evolve in a whirlwind 2025, with a Champions League tie against Atlético de Madrid to come on Wednesday at 21:00.

According to L'Équipe, her last France appearance was on 25 February, a 3-2 win over Iceland, and Laurent Bonadei then left her out for the Euro in July. She retained the French title with OL, spent time in Martinique, celebrated 20 years in October, and is contracted until 2027.

She has since begun life under Jonatan Giráldez, with whom she gets on well, but whose turnover policy has reshaped her minutes. Renard went three weeks without playing between 22 November, 5-0 against Strasbourg, and 13 December, 7-0 at Le Havre. She remained upbeat in training on Tuesday.

Giráldez set out his approach early, stressing regular rotation to preserve freshness across the squad. Renard often discusses tactics with him and has sought guidance to develop her understanding with Ingrid Engen, who arrived in the last window.

The coach values her attitude, viewing her as a standard-bearer for younger players and a support for the staff. He believes she shares his drive to win trophies, praises her training habits, and says he is delighted to have her in the group.

Source: L'Équipe