Renard: Officials will decide my future… and we will continue to prepare to confront the UAE professionally

 The French coach, Hervé Renard, coach of the Saudi national team, confirmed that the goal now is to focus on finishing the tournament in the best possible position, even though the match was not what the fans aspired for.

 

Renard said, during the press conference before facing the UAE in the third-place match in the 2025 Arab Cup – “We entered the match against Jordan after strong preparation at all levels, and the numbers during the match reflect that.” Clearly, we had the ball and controlled the course of the game, and we were fully aware of the Jordanian national team’s style before the start of the match. After Jordan’s goal, we faced a difficult situation with fewer players, and despite that we had two chances to score, but success was not present.

 

The French coach added: “I am doing my job and respecting my current mission, and the issue of continuing or leaving is not up to me. If the officials decide to end my mission, I will leave without controversy, as this is the nature of football.”

 

Reynard pointed out that exiting the semi-finals increases the challenge for everyone, adding: “What is required now is to show complete professionalism, turn the page on the past, and prepare well in order to achieve victory in the next confrontation.”

 

Regarding the team’s preparations to face the World Cup, Renard said: “Of course, the competitions will be completely different, and we will face a strong challenge against the Spanish national team, which is known for its excellence in possession of the ball and imposing its style based on control and possession.”

 

Reynard touched on his experience with the Saudi national team since 2019, noting that he has gained great experience in dealing with the players and understanding their needs, stressing that the motivational aspect of the team is excellent, and that the players went through the tournament in the same spirit. And will.

 

Regarding the performance in the tournament, Renard explained: “We all felt during the semi-final match that there was suffering on the field, and the problem lies in evaluating the matches from only one angle; If we lose, it is said that the performance was bad, and if we win, it is considered good. We played a strong match against Morocco despite the loss, and in the Jordan match it will be said that we defended a lot, but the numbers confirm that we possessed the ball and were present in the opponent’s areas for longer periods.”

 

Reynard pointed out that the main problem was converting control into goals: “The real problem is that we did not succeed in translating this superiority into shots and goals, as we needed greater effectiveness in front of goal, while Jordan took advantage of its opportunity.” He scored.

 

Reynard concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of preparing for the World Cup: “Players must show greater effectiveness in local participation, especially with the approaching winter transfer period, which represents an opportunity for good preparation.

 

It is noteworthy that the World Cup is a tournament of great importance, and players must raise their level of competitiveness to be able to present an honorable image of the Saudi national team and the Kingdom in the forum. Global".

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related