DZWatch Exclusive: Hervé Renard, the Saudi Arabian national team coach, has shed light on the strategic reasoning behind selecting Algeria for a friendly match. The decision, he emphasized, is rooted in the need to prepare his squad against formidable opponents with significant continental pedigree.
Renard explained that the choice of both Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire as friendly opponents was not accidental, but rather a calculated move within a broader preparation plan for upcoming major tournaments. “I chose to play against strong teams like Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire because we may face teams of this level in the next World Cup,” he stated. This suggests Renard is anticipating the intensity and quality of competition his team will encounter on the global stage.
The French coach further elaborated that the primary objective of these friendly matches is to assess the players’ readiness and evaluate their performance against rivals possessing high-level capabilities. He stressed that the Saudi national team still has considerable work ahead to achieve full preparedness. “We have to be in the best possible shape before the World Cup. We have many tactical and physical aspects that we want to develop, and such encounters give us a clear picture of our strengths and weaknesses,” Renard commented.
The Algeria match is part of a series of preparatory games through which Renard aims to elevate the Saudi team’s pace and develop its competitive character before participating in the 2026 World Cup. He is striving to achieve a respectable performance and positive results against the world’s leading national teams. The friendly against Algeria provides a crucial test and opportunity for growth.
