Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard poised to become France Women's head coach - reports

Frenchman, hugely popular in the Kingdom, has a contract with Saudi through until the 2027 Asian Cup

Saudi Arabia's head coach Herve Renard is reportedly a target to take over the national team coach of the France Women's football team. AP

Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard is set to become France Women’s head coach, according to reports.

The Frenchman, who masterminded Saudi Arabia’s 2022 World Cup win against Argentina in November, is understood to have accepted the opportunity to replace Corinne Diacre, who was dismissed earlier this month after a fallout with her national team players.

Both The Athletic and RMC Sports report that Renard, 54, will be announced as Diacre’s replacement once an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has been reached.

Renard has been in charge of the Gulf side since 2019, and guided Saudi Arabia to the Qatar World Cup as winners of their group ahead of Japan and Australia. He signed a contract extension last May through until the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi will host.

In Qatar, Saudi defeated Argentina, the eventual champions, in their opening group game, before losing to Poland and Mexico to exit at the group stage. Nevertheless, the team departed the tournament with reputation enhanced.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who oversees women’s football at the France Football Federation, has been key to selecting a successor to Diacre. French World Cup winner Thierry Henry was also heavily linked to the role.

Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard kicks a ball during a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha on November 20, 2022. AFP

President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser al-Misehal, talks to Herve Renard during a training session. AFP

Herve Renard and the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Yasser al-Misehal attend a training session. AFP

Saudi Arabia players take part in a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Altambakti passes the ball during a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort. AFP

Saudi Arabia players take part in a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Saudi Arabia players take part in a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Saudi Arabia players take part in a training session as they prepare to face Argentina at the World Cup. AFP

Saudi Arabia players take part in a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Herve Renard attends a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Yami makes an acrobatic save during a training session. AFP

Herve Renard looks on during a training session at the Sealine Beach Resort in Doha. AFP

Diacre, 48, was sacked following the withdrawal of key players, including captain Wendie Renard, because of what was perceived to be the coach’s grinding training methods, public criticism of players, and selection decisions.

The Athletic reported that the national team players are happy with Renard’s impending appointment, while RMC Sport said negotiations with the SAFF were moving in a “positive” direction.

Renard is hugely experienced in international football having led both Zambia and the Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations success, in 2012 and 2015 respectively. He also took Morocco to the 2018 World Cup.

In January, Renard described reports he had applied to take charge of the Belgium national team as “totally false”.