Herve Renard has emerged as a serious candidate to become the new Saudi Arabia men’s head coach.
The 56-year-old has been identified as a potential successor for Roberto Mancini, who left his position by “joint agreement” on Thursday after 14 months in charge.
While no agreement has been reached, a process is ongoing to recruit a new head coach, with three candidates in contention. Renard is leading the way as a potential option and should he be offered the position, it will be the second time he has managed the Saudi Arabia national team.
Renard previously coached Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2023, guiding them to the 2022 World Cup and a famous 2-1 victory over Argentina — who went on to win the tournament.
Saudi Arabia exited at the group stages with defeats to Poland and Mexico. Renard subsequently left his position the following year to coach the women’s French national team.
Renard took France to the quarter-final stage of the 2023 World Cup before being eliminated on penalties by host nation Australia.
He stepped down from his role after the a quarter-final defeat to Brazil in the 2024 Summer Olympics, being succeeded by assistant Laurent Bonadei.
GO DEEPER
Renard: From cleaner to beating Argentina at the World Cup – via Cambridge United
Renard has enjoyed a…
