Herve Renard: Mastermind of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup giantkilling of Argentina leaves for plum women’s job

Herve Renard has resigned as Saudi Arabia coach so he can take over the France workforce forward of this yr’s Women’s World Cup, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) stated on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old Frenchman was appointed as coach of Saudi Arabia in July 2019 and led the nation to a well-known 2-1 win over eventual winners Argentina on the World Cup in Qatar final yr.

SAFF stated in a press release on Twitter that it had agreed to terminate Renard’s contract at his request, including that it wished him “every success in his future career”.

“(Renard) has an offer from the French federation and expressed his desire to take this opportunity,” SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal advised Saudi Sports Channel (SSC).

“We were informed four days before the current international window and I received a letter from the French Federation, and consulted with a number of members of the board of directors, and we decided to accept this request.”

The French Football Federation (FFF) sacked Corinne Diacre earlier this month after captain Wendie Renard stated she wouldn’t play on the World Cup if the coach remained in cost.

Ranked fifth on the earth, France might be seeking to win a primary World Cup at this yr’s showpiece, which is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20-Aug. 20.

Renard stated after a 2-1 pleasant loss to Bolivia in Jeddah on Tuesday that he felt he had taken the Green Falcons so far as he might.

“I would like to thank everybody in Saudi for their support during almost four years,” he advised reporters. “I think I did the maximum with the team. I can’t reach another level so I prefer to be honest with everybody. Thank you again, it was a fantastic time.”

Al-Misehal stated SAFF would take their time in appointing a brand new coach and wouldn’t announce a successor to Renard till June at the least as their subsequent match is in September.

“We won’t choose the successor until June,” he defined. “The Saudi national team is an ambitious and great team and we will certainly be coveted by many distinguished coaches.”

The Saudis might be seeking to win a fourth Asian Cup title on the continental championship in Qatar early subsequent yr.

Although Renard will now flip his focus to teaching ladies for the primary time, he made it clear he wouldn’t overlook his time in Saudi Arabia.

“I wish you success in the 2024 Asian Cup in Qatar. I will support you, and certainly if I could be present in the stands, I would be a fan of the Saudi national team,” he stated in his farewell video. “You will always remain in my heart.”

Reuters