Renard the exception to the dismissal rule
2023-03-30 13:54There are exceptions to every rule and Hervé Reinard appears to be an outlier in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) - a coach allowed to leave the national team of his own free will and enhance his reputation.
Less than four months after enduring what could be the biggest upset in World Cup history, the 54 -year-old is packing her bags to head home to lead France in this year's Women's World Cup .
The highlight of his tenure was undoubtedly that emotional night in Qatar last November , when the Saudis beat eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening game of the inaugural World Cup in the Arab world.
After the euphoria of that win, Saudi fans were more familiar with losses to Poland and Mexico and a group-stage exit.
It's worth noting, though, that the Saudi Federation did not immediately fire Reinal.
Coaches have never enjoyed much job security in Saudi Arabia and SAFF have been known to replace them even during games .
Reynal took over Saudi Arabia in July 2019 and if he completes his contract in 2027 , he will become the longest-tenured national team coach in the country 's history.
In fact, he has the longest tenure of dozens of coaches to coach the Green Falcons since Egyptian Abdul Rahman Fawzi in the 1950s and early 1960s .
" Immortal " contest
He was amicable when he left on Tuesday. The French Football Federation's contacts with the Saudis, the legal agreement on his contract and even the farewell video posted to fans on the SAFF Twitter account.
" We had a great success in qualifying, we topped the group ahead of Japan and Australia, and we qualified for the World Cup, " Renard said .
" We had a great experience and the game against Argentina will be immortalized in the hearts of Saudi fans. "
" Our coach and teacher, Herve Reinal , " Salem Al-Dawsari tweeted after scoring the winning goal against Argentina.
" Thank you for every moment you have spent with us, for everything you have done for us, for everything you have given us. "
" You will always be in my heart. "
The former Morocco, Zambia and Ivory Coast coach lifted Saudi Arabia from 68th in the FIFA rankings to 49th in the top 50 .
SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal said there was no rush to replace Reynal with no matches scheduled until at least September, when the team will begin preparations for a new World Cup qualifier and next year's Asian Cup.
" We will not choose a successor until June, " he said. " The Saudi national team is a great team with great ambitions and we will certainly be coveted by many great coaches. "
Reynal will now turn his attention to a female coach for the first time, but has made it clear he will not forget his time in Saudi Arabia.
" I wish you success in the Qatar Asian Cup 2024. I will support you and of course, if I can be in the stands, I will be a fan of the Saudi national team, " he said in his farewell video.
" You will always be in my heart. "
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