In a technical move aimed at rectifying the situation before it is too late, the technical director of the Saudi national team, Hervé Renard , revealed that he had contacted the coaches of the Roshan Professional League clubs, making an urgent request regarding the future of the international players and their participation in matches, in order to ensure maximum readiness before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Hervé Renard and the diagnosis of the lost minutes crisis
This move by the veteran French coach comes at a very sensitive time for the Saudi national team. Since the historic transformation of the Saudi Professional League and the influx of top international football stars, local players have faced a significant challenge in securing regular starting positions, especially at the top four clubs. This situation has created a technical gap, manifested in a decline in the mental and physical fitness of some key national team players, a fact Renard noticed immediately upon his return to the helm, succeeding the Italian Roberto Mancini.
Renard, who led Saudi Arabia to a historic victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, understands that the strength of the national team is derived from the strength of the league, but on the condition that the Saudi player has an active and influential role on the field, and not just on the bench.
Details of the urgent call: Participation or loan
In official statements via the Saudi national team's account on the "X" platform, Hervé Renard clarified his position, emphasizing that he had requested club coaches to include Saudi players in official matches. He went further, proposing a practical solution to the problem: loaning players.
Renard stated clearly: "I asked the coaches to give Saudi players playing time, and I also requested that any Saudi player who isn't getting playing time at his current club be loaned out." This statement reflects the national team's coaching staff's desire to see players gain experience at other clubs—even lower-ranked ones—to ensure they continue playing regularly and develop their skills, rather than remaining on the bench at top clubs.
The impact of the decision on the Green Falcons' chances in the 2026 World Cup
This request holds paramount strategic importance for the future of Saudi football in the short and medium term. With the upcoming training camp approaching this March, the coaching staff is keen to ensure the players arrive at their peak physical condition. Relying solely on training without competitive matches deprives players of their "match sharpness," a crucial factor in World Cup qualifying.
Analysts believe that the clubs' response to Renard's request to activate the internal loan system could be a lifeline for many young Saudi talents and international players who need playing time to serve the national team in the upcoming global tournament in 2026.
