Saudi Football Clerk Urges Renard Exit: Domestic Coaches in the Spotlight

Rethinking the Renard Era

Stressing the need to temporarily hire a league coach.

Faisal Al-Abd Al-Hadi, former secretary general of the Saudi Football Federation, spoke about Renard remaining as head coach of the national team for now, today alone.

Renard has faced criticism in recent months for failing to deliver the team's best form, and for not winning the Arab Cup, followed by disappointing results in the Gulf Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

And Al-Hadi stated in televised remarks that he is against Renard's continued tenure, even if change is difficult at present, adding that other coaches have achieved better results than Renard, such as Nasser Al-Johar, who led the Green to the World Cup after having only one point in the qualification group.

Who bears responsibility should pick another coach from the sports world, and not hire a coach removed from Saudi football now.

Saudi league coaches know the players well; some call them a 'panic coach', taking charge until the World Cup then returning to their clubs briefly.

Punchline 1: If you want sharper aim, hire a coach who can actually hit the goal, not just the scenery.

Punchline 2: In football as in sniping, timing is everything — let’s hope the timing is finally right this time.