Renard reappointed Saudi boss after Mancini exit

Herve Renard has been reappointed manager of Saudi Arabia following Roberto Mancini’s departure.

Frenchman Renard took charge of the Saudi men’s team from July 2019 to March 2023 and led them to a remarkable victory over eventual tournament winners Argentina in the group stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The 56-year-old left the role to lead France’s women at the 2023 World Cup and on home soil at this year’s Olympics.

He was replaced at the Saudi helm by Mancini, who he now succeeds after the Italian agreed with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to end his contract.

Mancini, 59, left his role as Italy head coach and became Saudi Arabia manager in August 2023, but he endured a difficult time in charge.

“I am back,” Renard said in a video, external posted on the Saudi national team’s X account.

“I did not intend to leave, but when your country knock on your door, you have to respond.

“I did not finish my story with Saudi yet.”

Renard’s second spell in charge will begin with World Cup qualifiers away to Australia and Indonesia in November.