‘I will return to Africa’ – Hervé Renard on his future | OneFootball

Hervé Renard hasn’t forgotten about his time coaching in Africa. The manager of the Saudi Arabian national team was previously in charge of Morocco, Angola, the Ivory Coast and Zambia, achieving great success on the continent.

The Saudi team have some big upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures as they aim to book a place in next summer’s finals in Mexico, Canada and the United States. Renard led the Ivory Coast and Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations crown previously, and on three occasions was named CAF Coach of the Year in the African confederation.

In a recent interview with L’Équipe, he was asked where he sees himself in 10 years. “For now, I think of my future until October 14,” he said. Renard went on to say, “Otherwise, I know I will return to Africa one day.”

Saudi Arabia face Indonesia on Wednesday before a date with Iraq on October 14.

The former FC Sochaux and Lille OSC manager returned to France in 2023, taking charge of the French Women’s team ahead of the Women’s World Cup that summer in Australia and New Zealand. They wound up being knocked out of the quarter-finals in an epic penalty shootout against Australia. Among his most notable World Cup achievements, Renard was at the helm of Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In that competition, they stunned Argentina 2-1 in their opening game. The Argentines went on to become world champions.

Renard came back for a second stint with the Saudi’s following the sacking of Roberto Mancini. Along with World Cup qualification, Saudi Arabia is preparing to feature in the Arab Cup, which begins in December. They will open that tournament on December 2.

GFFN | Joel Lefevre