The Saudi Football Association made headlines with the surprising return of Herve Renard as coach, stepping in to replace the recently sacked Roberto Mancini. Renard, who previously managed the Saudis from 2019 to 2023, has signed a two-year contract to lead the team once again. His familiarity with the team and past successes played a crucial role in the decision to bring him back.
Renard expressed his excitement about returning to Saudi Arabia in a video posted by the Saudi association on social media, highlighting the connection he feels with the public and the country. Despite leaving his coaching position to lead France’s women’s team, Renard has always cherished the memories and experiences he had with the Saudi team. His previous achievements include a surprise win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
The decision to appoint Renard comes after Mancini’s departure following poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which included a defeat to Japan and a draw with Bahrain. The departure of the former Italy national team coach opened up discussions for Renard’s return. Building a strong national team is a key priority for Saudi Arabia, evident in their significant investments in players and their bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Renard’s return has sparked controversy among fans and analysts, but his proven track record and familiarity with the team make him a strong contender for the coaching position. The hope is that he can lead the team to success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond, leveraging his experience and expertise to guide the players to victory. With the support of the Saudi Football Association and the fans, Renard is set to embark on a new chapter with the national team.
