Introduction: The Renard Era: Between Historic Achievement and Ongoing Challenges
The period of French coach Hervé Renard's tenure with the Saudi national team, which spanned from 2019 to 2023, is considered one of the most controversial and eventful periods in the history of modern Saudi football. This era was marked by a stark contrast between achieving unprecedented historical milestones, most notably the resounding victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, and repeated failures in regional tournaments, sparking widespread debate among fans and pundits about the overall evaluation of his experience.
Historical background: The arrival of the French “fox” in Riyadh
Hervé Renard arrived in Saudi Arabia with a strong reputation as a coach specializing in achieving success with national teams, particularly in Africa. His victories in the Africa Cup of Nations with two different national teams (Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015) earned him the nickname "The Fox" for his ability to read crucial matches and build tactically and mentally strong teams. His appointment came with a clear and primary objective: to rebuild the Saudi national team into a strong contender on the Asian stage and, more importantly, to secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The most significant impact: qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and the historic victory over Argentina
Renard succeeded in achieving his ultimate goal, leading the Saudi national team to the top of their group in the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, surpassing strong teams like Japan and Australia. This achievement was more than just qualification; it confirmed the significant development the team had undergone under his leadership in terms of tactical discipline and fighting spirit. However, the greatest and most memorable achievement came at the Qatar World Cup, when the Saudi team stunned the world by defeating Argentina, the eventual world champions, 2-1 in a historic match. This victory was more than just three points; it was a powerful message about the progress of Saudi football and its ability to compete with the best. It became the talk of the international press for days, placing Renard and the Saudi players in the global spotlight.
The recurring dilemma: failure in group tournaments
In stark contrast to his success in long-term campaigns like the World Cup qualifiers, the Saudi national team under Renard struggled in shorter regional tournaments. Results in both the Gulf Cup and the Arab Cup were disappointing, with the team exiting in the early rounds. Critics attributed this disparity to several factors, including Renard's reliance on different formations and giving opportunities to new players in these tournaments, or perhaps his inability to adapt his strategy to the fast-paced nature of knockout matches, which demand a different level of focus and decisiveness than the league system used in qualifiers. This repeated failure became the most significant low point of his tenure and raised questions about the team's ability to win continental titles.
Conclusion: Renard's legacy with the Green Falcons
In March 2023, Hervé Renard's journey with the Saudi Arabian national team came to an end as he took over as coach of the French women's national team. Renard left behind a complex legacy; he was the coach who led Saudi Arabia to one of its greatest ever victories and succeeded in building a disciplined team capable of competing on the world stage. However, he was unable to translate this development into continental titles. His experience remains a significant milestone, full of lessons, as he proved that the Saudi national team has the potential to compete at the highest levels, but the road to the podium still requires diligent work to achieve a balance between impressive performances in major tournaments and consistent success in winning championships.
