Renard Eyes Africa: A Coaching Comeback Dreaming Beyond Borders

Renard’s Africa Return Ambition

The French manager, Hervé Renard, spoke with pride about the Saudi squad’s inner equality and addressed the milestone reached by Salem Al-Dawsari as he nears 100 appearances. He underscored that unity and shared purpose strengthen the team ahead of major challenges to come.

Renard also outlined the team’s immediate schedule, noting a friendly against Algeria as part of preparations for the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar. He emphasized that the next weeks are about refining performance and sustaining positive results before the big tests ahead.

In a press conference opening the friendly, Renard highlighted that this is his 61st match in charge and that equalling Nasser Al-Johar’s record as Saudi Arabia’s longest-serving coach is a personal honor. He thanked the country, the sports ministry, and the Saudi Football Federation for their ongoing support and belief in his project, while promising to push further and aim higher.

Speaking about Al-Dawsari’s milestone, Renard described it as a benchmark of dedication, noting his six years of work with the player and the vast contributions he has made for club and country. He added that Al-Dawsari’s case teaches upcoming talents the importance of discipline both on and off the pitch.

In discussing the squad, Renard was asked about selecting players from major clubs. He defended a pragmatic approach where club affiliation matters less than consistency, performance, and the ability to contribute to the team’s collective goals.

Arab Cup Preparation and the Algeria Friendly

Renard explained that the Saudi team’s goal in the Arab Cup is to reach the best possible results, especially as the squad features a strong first-choice lineup. The challenge is to translate training into competitive performance across a tournament that features varied opponents, including the Algerian side, whom they will meet in a friendly in Jeddah.

The coach also spoke about the ongoing preparations for the Arab Cup in Qatar, scheduled from early December to December 18, while noting that Algeria will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later in the month. These simultaneous commitments heighten the significance of this friendly as a barometer of form and chemistry.

Renard addressed personnel decisions, including the absence of Abdullah Al-Hamdan due to a medical program. He stressed the need to balance squad depth with injury management as the team gears up for the Arab Cup and subsequent obligations.

Future Outlook and Key Reflections

The discussion moved toward Renard’s broader ambitions. He reiterated that he intends to return to Africa someday and offered well-wishes to Algeria in their AFCON campaign, while acknowledging he currently has a good relationship with the Saudi program and finds the current environment conducive to success.

Renard also recalled past experiences facing Algerian opposition and the satisfaction of triumphing in Africa’s continental scene, underscoring a positive emotional tie to the continent and the players who helped shape his career. He stressed that the current Saudi group is evolving and remains hungry for more, with a clear plan to build on every opportunity.

Training sessions in Jeddah featured warm-ups, ball possession drills, and small-sided exercises as the team prepared for their clash with Algeria and for the broader schedule ahead. The camp continued to emphasize fitness, tactical cohesion, and readiness for the demanding calendar ahead.

Punchline time: If Renard ever archives his playbook, Africa might need its own library—because his tactics come with passports. And if coaching were stand-up, he’d have a world tour with all those continents to sign autographs for.

Punchline 2: Renard’s ambition is so wide that even the pitch needs a map: every time he talks about Africa, you can hear the continent say, “Yes, coach, lead the way—just don’t lose the GPS。”