Saudi media reports revealed that Xavi Hernandez rejected an offer from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to immediately succeed Hervé Renard as coach of the Saudi national team.
Hervé Renard is on the verge of being dismissed from his position as coach of the Green Falcons following a wave of criticism that erupted against him after the Arab Cup, which intensified after a 4-0 friendly defeat to Egypt a few days ago.
If Saudi Arabia loses to Serbia or fails to deliver a good performance on Tuesday, it is highly likely that Renard will leave his post just two and a half months before the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi officials have begun searching for alternative options, and Xavi Hernandez’s name has been mentioned, given his familiarity with Gulf football after playing for and coaching Al Sadd for many years.
However, the former Barcelona coach did not hesitate to reject the Saudi offer, considering the tight schedule to make the task virtually impossible, and he does not want to experience a failed World Cup campaign.
The Saudi offer isn’t the first Arab offer Xavi has rejected. He also declined to succeed Walid Regragui as coach of the Moroccan national team, though he remains a candidate for the position after the 2026 World Cup.
It’s worth noting that Walid Regragui is also among the candidates to coach Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, and recent media reports indicate he’s open to the idea and unconcerned about the tight deadline.
