The Socceroos will be up against a familiar old adversary when they tackle Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Melbourne next month as flamboyant French coach Herve Renard returns as manager.
Renard, who guided the Saudis to a sensational win over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, has been announced as the successor to Italian Roberto Mancini, the world's highest paid manager who was sacked on Thursday.
“I'm back,” the 56-year-old Renard, donned in his Saudi head-dress, declared in a colourful social media video posted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation.
The Frenchman, who left the Saudi job after a successful four-year reign ended in 2023, is well known to Australia after he guided the Gulf team to a 1-0 win over Graham Arnold's Socceroos in the qualifying match in Riyadh in 2022.
The previous year, Renard's side had earned a goalless draw in Sydney in another qualifier.
“I did not intend to leave (Saudi). But when your country knocks on your door you have to respond,” Renard said. “My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players and all the memories — I can never forget. I did not finish my story with Saudi.”
His contract will run until the end of 2025 with an option to extend until the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
He will be plunged straight into a huge World Cup qualifier at AAMI Park on November 14 which will have a major influence on whether either side makes it to the 2026 World Cup finals.
Like Australia and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia have just five points from their four games in group C, five points behind runaway leaders Japan. Only two teams from the group will be guaranteed qualification.
Renard's return should bring a return of equilibrium to the Saudi camp following the axing of Italian Mancini, who was only 14 months into a four-year deal reportedly worth $A150 million.
Mancini's reign, which began in August last year when he replaced Renard, was a turbulent one, with Saudi bosses unhappy that the team won only seven of 18 matches under his stewardship.
Australia have yet to play the Saudis yet during the group stages, with their return clash in Riyadh a potentially pivotal one coming in the last round of matches in June 2025.
