Reasons for the decline of the Saudi national team and the future of coach Renard
A technical crisis hits the ranks of Al-Akhdar
The Saudi national football team is going through a critical period and experiencing a state of technical disarray, raising concerns among fans and sports analysts alike. This concern arose after the "Green Falcons" suffered their second defeat, this time against Serbia, with a score of 2-1 in a friendly match held in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. This match was part of their ongoing training camp in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. These negative results have opened the door to widespread criticism regarding the reasons for the Saudi team's decline under French coach Hervé Renard.
Historical context and public aspirations
Historically, the Saudi national team is one of the most prominent teams in Asia, boasting a distinguished record that includes qualifying for the World Cup finals six times, most recently in the 2022 Qatar edition, which witnessed a historic victory for the Green Falcons against the reigning world champions, Argentina. This exceptional achievement under the leadership of Hervé Renard raised the bar of ambition and expectations among Saudi sports fans. However, the recent noticeable decline in performance and results raises fundamental questions about the current coaching staff's ability to revitalize the team and keep pace with the continuous evolution of modern football.
Critics are divided over Renard's future
In the search for solutions, several critics have identified the reasons for this decline. National coach Mohammed Abu Arad explained that there are many qualified coaches who could be considered to lead the Saudi national team instead of Frenchman Hervé Renard, noting that recent results have demonstrated his lack of suitability for the current stage, especially with official competitions approaching. Abu Arad suggested Saudi coaches like Saad Al-Shehri or Khaled Al-Atwi as better options to lead the Green Falcons, or even hiring foreign coaches with experience in the local league, arguing that the playing style of some current coaches, such as Jorge Jesus, might not be suitable for the national team. He emphasized the need to strengthen the defensive lines before the World Cup.
Warning against impulsive decisions
On the other hand, Asian lecturer Dr. Yahya Jaber warned against making impulsive decisions, considering the dismissal of Renard at this time a grave administrative error, adding to previous mistakes. Jaber emphasized that changing coaches creates additional technical problems and is a temporary solution that may succeed or fail, often resulting in the new coaching staff being the victim. He explained that the real problem lies in the sports administration of football, which lacks long-term plans and strategies, instead constantly seeking short-term championships that do not serve the future of Saudi football.
Player quality and the monopoly of major clubs
On the other hand, Ahmed Mahrez, the technical director of the regional center in Asir, addressed the issue of player quality as a key factor in the crisis. Mahrez emphasized that the problem transcends the identity of the coach, whether foreign or Saudi, and extends to the national team's lack of technically gifted players capable of making a difference on the pitch. He directed a message to the Football Federation, stating that representing the national team should not be limited to players from the four major clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli). Mahrez added a crucial point regarding passion, indicating that most of the current generation of players have reached a point of saturation and will not perform at a higher level than they have in the past, regardless of whether Renard remains in his position or leaves.
Expected impact and importance of the next phase
The significance of this event and its anticipated impact extend beyond the local level to encompass regional and international dimensions. Locally, this decline creates a trust deficit between the fans and the players, and increases media pressure on the Football Association. Regionally, the continuation of this performance could threaten the Green Falcons' status as a dominant force in Asia, complicating their task in the continental qualifiers. Internationally, the decline in friendly and official results affects the national team's FIFA ranking, potentially placing them in complex ranking levels during the draws for major tournaments. Therefore, it has become essential to join forces and develop a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the Saudi national team on solid foundations that will ensure their strong competitiveness in the 2026 World Cup.
