Hervé Renard: The Man Behind Saudi Arabia’s ⁣Football⁢ Success

Frenchman Hervé Renard ⁢led the Saudi national football ⁣team to unprecedented success, winning 20 matches, drawing 10, and losing 11 in 41 games, including a​ historic World Cup​ appearance​ in‍ 2022.

Renard, 55, took charge ‍of ⁢the ⁤Saudi national team in 2019 and led them to ⁢the 2022 World Cup after topping the Asian group. His first ​match was⁢ a one-goal trial against ‌Mali on September 5, 2019, while ⁣his last⁣ match was against Bolivia,⁤ which the Saudi side lost by one goal on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

In May⁢ 2022, the Football Association⁣ renewed Renard’s ⁤contract until 2027, but he left in March 2023. Renard has coached many teams, including Zambia, with whom he won the 2012 African Cup⁤ of Nations, and Côte d’Ivoire, with whom he won the same tournament in 2015, becoming the⁢ first coach to win the same⁣ cup with⁣ two different teams.

Exclusive Interview with Hervé Renard

01. Your ​name was‍ finally mentioned in the sports community after the Saudi team’s incredible performance ‌at the start of their Asian World Cup qualifier journey. Any offers to return to the⁢ green?

It’s something personal, I can’t answer this secret question.

02. Do you follow ⁢the Saudi national team⁣ matches,‍ especially⁢ the 2026 World‍ Cup ‌Asian qualifiers?

Since April 2023, I have left the ⁣Saudi national team ‍and I always follow all⁢ its matches, as well as Saudi league matches.

03. Why did he leave the Saudi team despite good results?

It was a very difficult ‌decision, ​but I had the ​opportunity ⁢to coach for my country, especially at the Olympic ‌Games in France, ‌and it was something that would never happen again, and at the same time I didn’t want to leave the Saudi ⁢national team but it was impossible⁢ for both teams, so ‌the decision was ‌very difficult.

04. How was‍ your experience with‍ Green compared to your previous career?

My experience with the Saudi ⁤national team was amazing. We achieved very​ good results in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, as we finished first against⁤ Japan and Australia, and the Argentina match was fantastic.

05. What is the‌ biggest challenge in⁣ your career with⁤ the Saudi national team?

My biggest ⁤challenge with the‌ Saudi national team was to emphasize the‍ importance of‍ the ​players being proud of their‍ flag and it is an ‌honor ‍for them ​to play for their country, ⁣while ‌giving everything in all ​matches.

06. What about the difficulties or problems you faced while driving Saudi Green?

When I was in charge of the‌ Saudi national team, I did not face any major problems, because​ the president,⁤ Yasser Al-Meshal, along with all the⁣ employees of the Football Association, always made ‍my job easy.

07. Is there a specific ‌moment in your career with⁣ the ‌Saudi national team ‍that⁢ is ‌considered a‌ turning point?

Yes, our match ⁤against Uzbekistan was the key to success.

08. How do you rate the ‍performance of Saudi players in major tournaments?

After beating Argentina in the World Cup, we played a very good match against Poland,⁣ but we were not as good as the​ Polish team.

09. Are there any Saudi players whose performance surprised⁣ you during‍ your training?

I admire Salem Al-Dosari and‌ Salman Al-Faraj and⁢ his development has​ always been good for me, which Yasir Al-Shamrani enjoyed, Ali Al-Bulaihi and Al-Omari’s talent too, Sultan Al-Ghanem‍ played​ a very good match, and Abdul God Al-Maliki is the engine of ‌the team, and the player Kanu ⁤has a special talent, but every now and then. He needs ‌to be ‌pushed, he is a great⁢ man, ​and Fahd Al-Muwalad, Firas Al-Brykan⁣ and⁣ Saleh Al-Shehri were⁤ loyal to ​the team and scored very important ⁤goals, and I⁤ was having fun with this ​team.

10. You praised Saud Abdel Hamid What do you think about‌ moving to Rome, Italy?

Saud Abdul Hamid deserves to go to Europe and play for ​a strong team, he will surprise​ everyone and I⁤ am sure he will play in the Champions League one day.

11. How do you see the future of‌ the Saudi ‍football team?

The future of the Saudi national team will ‍be bright, as the league has strengthened, ⁢and the Saudi players have‍ talent.

12. What about your training philosophy, how⁢ was it reflected in Al-Akhdar’s performance?

Wherever I work, I always expect the players to give everything they have‌ for the ‌team, ‌along with everyone in the team.

13. What elements do you‌ look for in a footballer?

My players have to have⁢ skill and speed and have a great team spirit.

14. How to handle the ⁣pressure⁣ of⁣ football training in international tournaments?

The pressure is positive, ‌we always ⁢want to win.

15. Are there specific teams that you want to coach ‌in the⁣ future?

As a coach I always dream​ of winning, so I need a team that ​can do that.

16. On that‌ note, when ⁢you took over as coach of the French women’s⁣ national ⁤team, ​did‍ you get any offers?

I received offers from some national teams and clubs, but at that time I was still under contract‌ with⁢ the France women’s national team⁤ until August ⁣31.

17. What is the most important lesson you⁢ have learned⁢ from coaching a football team?

Always be proud of country.

18. How do you ‍develop ⁤young players?

We always think about the ‌future, we have prepared them ⁢to be ⁣ready when we need them, they just need to ⁣understand,‌ and be patient,‍ like Abdul Rahman Gharib, Al Hamdan, Nasser Al⁤ Dosari, Mutaib ⁢Al Harbi​ and Abdullah Ridif.

19. What is the⁢ difference between Asian and African teams, especially since ​you train on⁣ both continents?

Both continents have very good teams.

20. Is there a difference between male and female players in training?

There are‍ many differences only in‌ management.

21. How do‌ you spend your time ⁢outside of training?

I spend it‍ with my family, watching matches and ⁣playing some sports.