Saudi Arabia convinced next manager can continue progress made under Herve Renard

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation are confident they will appoint a manager to build on the success Herve Renard enjoyed with the team, with the organisation moving closer to confirming his replacement.

The federation are currently in negotiations with Renard’s successor after the Frenchman left his role in March. Renard, whose contract ran until 2027, departed to become France Women’s head coach.

With the Saudi senior national team not playing during next month’s international break — the decision was taken last year to give the players time off following the winter World Cup — the SAFF expect to have a new manager in place within the next one or two months so he can begin to plot the side’s 2023 Asian Cup campaign.

The tournament, initially set for China this summer, will take place in Qatar at the beginning of next year.

Speaking to The National, SAFF president Yasser Al Misehal said: “We are almost in the final stages of negotiations with one of the top coaches. And we hope by June, July maximum, we will announce the name so he will be able to join us before the end of the July to attend some of the matches the Saudi clubs will play during the King Salman Club Cup [July 20-August 5].”

A message from Hervè Renard