RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) has rehired French coach Herve Renard, who returns to the helm of the national team just days after Roberto Mancini’s departure. Renard, who previously led Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023, shared his excitement in a video posted on social media, declaring, “I’m back.”
Renard’s first stint with Saudi Arabia was marked by remarkable achievements, including a memorable 2-1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The win became one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and significantly boosted the profile of Saudi Arabian football on the world stage. Renard left the position earlier this year to coach the French women’s team, whom he led to the quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics.
The French coach expressed his deep connection to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his lasting bond with the team and fans. “I did not intend to leave Saudi,” Renard stated. “But when your country knocks on your door, you have to respond. My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players, and all the memories—I can never forget. I did not finish my story with Saudi.”
Renard has signed a contract running until the end of 2025, with an option to extend through the 2027 Asian Cup. The tournament will be a milestone event for Saudi Arabia, as it will host the Asian Cup for the first time in its history.
Mancini’s Brief and Challenging Tenure
Renard’s return comes in the wake of Roberto Mancini’s short tenure as head coach, which began in August 2023. The Italian manager, who previously led Italy to victory in the 2021 European Championship, faced mounting pressure due to Saudi Arabia’s struggles in recent competitions. Mancini’s Saudi Arabia team had a disappointing Asian Cup campaign and exited the tournament in the round of 16.
In the third round of Asia’s World Cup qualifying, Saudi Arabia has garnered only five points from four matches, placing them in third within their group. The team’s recent performances, including a 2-0 loss to Japan and a goalless draw with Bahrain in October, underscored a need for change. Saudi Arabia currently sits behind the top two positions required for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, making Renard’s expertise crucial as they aim to secure a spot.
Renard’s Immediate Challenges and Upcoming Fixtures
Renard faces an immediate challenge in getting the team back on track for World Cup qualification. His first match will be against Australia on November 14 in Melbourne. Saudi Arabia is in a competitive six-team group, where only the top two will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, with the third- and fourth-placed teams moving to the fourth qualifying stage.
Renard’s wealth of experience in international competitions and familiarity with the Saudi team make him well-suited to meet these challenges head-on. The Saudi Football Federation is optimistic that his return will inspire the team to improve performance and bring stability to their World Cup campaign.
A New Era with Familiar Leadership
Saudi fans are hopeful that Renard’s renewed leadership will reinvigorate the squad as they strive to reach the 2026 World Cup. With the possibility of an extended tenure through the historic 2027 Asian Cup, Renard’s return signals a blend of continuity and renewed ambition for Saudi Arabian football. His relationship with players and his knowledge of the Saudi football culture are expected to aid the team in navigating the high-stakes road to the World Cup and beyond.
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