Renard had resigned from his role as the team manager of Morocco after they were eliminated from the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) post their unexpected defeat to Benin.
In this file photo taken on June 28, 2019 Morocco's coach Herve Renard looks on during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group D football match between Morocco and Ivory Coast at the Al Salam Stadium in the Egyptian capital Cairo. - Renard announced his resignation as Morocco's head coach on July 21, 2019, after more than 3 years at the helm. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Saudi Arabia Football Federation has appointed Herve Renard of France as the new head coach of the team ahead of the forthcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier campaign.
The 50-year-old had a relatively successful stint as the manager with Morocco National Team. Notably, he had resigned from his role as the team manager after they were eliminated from the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) post their unexpected defeat to Benin.
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It is worth noting that the two teams had met in the Round of 16 of AFCON and the match between Morocco and Benin had ended on a 1-1 draw in both the stipulated 90 minutes and the extra time. But it were Benin who emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.
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“Happy to start a new adventure in Saudi Arabia on a new continent,” the France national tweeted on Monday.
“The choice was made on a great name, capable of bringing something extra to Saudi football,” Saudi Football Federation official Yasser Almisehal commented on the appointment.
The team is in Group D of 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup Joint-Qualifiers. Group D also consists of Uzbekistan, Palestine, Yemen and Singapore. The first match for South Arabia in this campaign will be against Yemen on September 10. They would then play Singapore on October 10.
Renard, who was a defender in his playing days, has managed various national teams which include Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Zambia. As far as club football is concerned, he has experience of managing Song Da Nam Dinh FC, a Vietnam Football club, back in 2004.
Renard was being considered for the coaching role by many Asian teams including the likes of IR Iran and United Arab Emirates.
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