RIYADH: Herve Renard has made a surprise return as coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, the Saudi Football Federation announced on Saturday.
“I’m back,” Renard said in a social media video posted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation.
It will be the second spell in charge of the Green Falcons for the Frenchman.
Renard led the national team to a memorable 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup but left in March last year to take over France’s women’s team.
The 56-year-old stepped down from the role in August following France’s quarter-final exit to Brazil at the Paris Olympics.
Italy’s Roberto Mancini took over from Renard as Saudi coach but his contract was ended by mutual agreement with the federation on Thursday after 14 months due to poor results.
“I did not intend to leave (Saudi). But when your country knocks on your door you have to respond,” Renard said in the video. “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’s contract will run until the end of 2025 with an option to extend until the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Mancini was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 having led Italy to victory at the 2021 European Championship. But the serial trophy winner was quickly under pressure after an underwhelming Asian Cup in January and an exit in the round of 16.
In Asia’s third round of World Cup qualifying that started in September, Saudi Arabia has collected just five points from four games. This month at home it lost to Japan 2-0 and drew with Bahrain 0-0.
It left Saudi Arabia third place in the six-team group. The top two qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the third- and fourth-placed finishers progress to the fourth stage.
Renard’s first game back in charge is against Australia in Melbourne on Nov. 14.
(With AP)
