Saad Al-Shehri Shoots Down Renard Replacement Talk: Focus, Loyalty, and a Dash of Humor
4 April 2026
Saad Al-Shehri Addresses National Team Speculation
Saudi coach Saad Al-Shehri, who oversees Al-Ettifaq, spoke for the first time about rumors linking him to taking over the Saudi national team after Hervé Renard’s future was the subject of discussion. Some reports suggested Renard could be dismissed before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Al-Shehri among the names mentioned as a potential successor.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Roshn Saudi League clash with Al-Qadsiah, Al-Shehri said, “I have not received any request to coach the Saudi national team in the coming period.”
He added: “There is an important thing for me to say, and that is I will not allow anyone to spread misinformation about my patriotism and my belonging to my country; I am at the service of the national team at any moment.”
He insisted: “There were rumors about me refusing to coach the national team, and this is not true. The national team coach is here, and we all support him and the players to deliver a good performance at the World Cup.”
He continued: “I am currently focused on Al-Ettifaq, but if the nation needs me anywhere, I am always ready to be at the service of my country.”
Regarding the team’s recent results and whether they reflect a lack of participation by local players, he said: “It is hard to pinpoint the exact fault, but I won the Asian Cup and qualified for the Olympics with the senior team under the same circumstances.”
He added: “Players did not participate as much as they do now, but now they train with eight foreigners at the highest level, so it’s not possible to confirm a specific fault position, especially since the national team previously qualified for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.”
He concluded: “Yes, we have not won titles, but that is due to the strength of the competition; there are strong teams that have not won the Asian Cup, and the national team has achieved some recent milestones, including World Cup qualification.”
In closing, he emphasized his readiness to serve the country at any time and place if needed, while remaining focused on his club duties.
Punchline 1: If rumors were a league, Saad would be the top scorer for denying them—he keeps dishing out comebacks faster than the rumor mill can churn headlines.
Punchline 2: Loyalty test passed—he’s ready to serve the nation anywhere, even if the GPS points him to the stadium kitchen at 3 a.m. to “season” the national team prospects.
