Saudi Arabia reappoints Renard as national team coach

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reappointed Herve Renard as their national football team manager, succeeding Roberto Mancini, who departed by mutual consent on Thursday after a 14-month tenure. Renard, 56, previously coached the Saudis from 2019 to 2023, guiding them to an impressive 2022 World Cup campaign that included a stunning opening victory over eventual champions Argentina.

Renard’s return was announced via the Saudi national team’s social media, where he appeared in traditional Saudi attire and declared, “I am back.” His contract, set to run until the end of 2025, includes an option to extend through the 2027 Asian Cup.

After his initial Saudi stint, Renard left to coach France’s women’s team, leading them at the World Cup and preparing them for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Expressing his decision to return, he said, “I did not intend to leave. But when your country knock on your door, you have to respond.”(Reuters)