Public anger towards Hervé Renard, the Saudi national team coach, has intensified following the Green Falcons’ crushing 4-0 defeat to Egypt in a friendly match on Friday.
Renard, who returned for a second stint over a year ago, has so far failed to deliver the expected results. Even qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has been extremely difficult, amidst relentless criticism of his player management and tactical approach.
With the heavy defeat against the Pharaohs, calls for his dismissal have grown louder, fueled by fears of a potentially disastrous Saudi campaign in the 2020 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if things continue as they are.
Renard further fueled the controversy after the loss to Egypt by refusing to speak to the media. Many interpreted this as confirmation that his position is precarious and that any comments would only exacerbate the crisis.
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to face Serbia next Tuesday, and if the Green Falcons fail to deliver another strong performance, Hervé Renard could be immediately dismissed.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed after the Arab Cup in December that the French coach would remain in his post until the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host, and that there was no intention of dismissing him before then, regardless of the circumstances.
In his second stint, Renard oversaw 27 matches for Saudi Arabia, achieving only 11 wins and suffering 10 losses. Despite qualifying for the World Cup, he subsequently failed to progress beyond the semi-finals of the Arab Cup held in Qatar.
