Portuguese Jorge Jesus has been named in the list of coaches being examined by the Saudi Football Association to replace Frenchman Herve Renard, who was transferred to oversee the French women’s national team. Agence France-Presse. The source, who asked not to be identified, said, “The Saudi federation has examined the files of several coaches, including Jesus, and a deal could be made after he completes his stint,” with Turkish side Fenerbahce playing in the local cup final. Istanbul Basaksehir next Sunday in Izmir.
The source added, “The Saudi federation has yet to sign any coach to oversee the first team.” Jesus has previous experience in Saudi football when he led Al-Hilal Club in the 2019 season. He got off to a quick positive start with Al-Hilal, lifting the local Super Cup at the expense of Al-Ittihad in his first official match. Quarter-finals of the King’s Cup and Arab Club Championship and topped the local league. He played 26 matches in various tournaments out of which he won 20 matches and lost only twice.
This record would have guaranteed him a long-term future with Al-Hilal, but the two parties parted ways in late January 2019 after about six months at the helm of technical management. The reasons for leaving are varied, between Jesus confirming he does not want to tie his future to the club and the latter’s management insisting they need a coach to lead them towards the expensive and long-awaited goal: AFC Champions League title won twice again by Al Hilal in 2019 and 2021.
The 68-year-old has an impressive history in Portugal, where he led Benfica to three league titles between 2010 and 2015 and two Europa League (Europa League) runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2014. He led Flamengo to the Brazilian league title in 2019, the Copa Libertadores in the same year and a Club World Cup runner-up finish. And if he coaches the “Green Falcons”, the first team will be overseen by the Portuguese city of Amadora. At the end of last March, Renard submitted his resignation as coach of the French women’s national team, succeeding Corinne Diaker. Renard took charge of the Saudi national team in 2019 and led it to the 2022 World Cup, where he secured a historic opening win over Argentina, which went on to win the title, before being dumped out of the group stage.
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