The leading candidate for the job of the senior national team of Nigeria Herve Renard has been reappointed manager of Saudi Arabia following Roberto Mancini’s departure.
Nigeria still without a substantive coach following the decision to sack Finidi George made an offer to the Frenchman he declined the offer citing the precarious position of the team in the world cup qualifiers.
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He explained that he wants a project that will see him handle a team at the world cup, something that looks difficult with the Super Eagles 5th in their six team group, four points behind leaders Rwanda. He is now back at a place he is all too familiar with.
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.”
