Former coach of Saudi Arabia, Hervé Renard spoke about the Saudi championship on Wednesday. An analysis accompanied by a warning, which could be useful to Lionel Messi.
Today at the head of the French women’s football team, Hervé Renard was still coach of Saudi Arabia a few weeks ago. With a resounding success against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the group stage of the last World Cup (2-1), the one who officiated on the Saudi bench from July 2019 to March 2023 masters his subject when he is asked about the level of football in this Gulf country. And while Messi plans to hide in the Al-Hilal club, the advice of the French tactician could be useful to him.
In an interview published Wednesday on the website The Team, Hervé Renard notably mentioned the climatic conditions which can sometimes be complicated to manage for a player who has spent most of his career in Europe. ” It is very hot from April to September. The summer preparation periods are not easy to digest for foreign players because it can be forty-five degrees. In August, matches are played at 10 p.m. From September to April, it is cooler, especially in Riyadh which is at altitude. It can be between 12 and 14 degrees. »
“The best league in Asia”
As for the general level, the coach of the Blue tried to make a comparison. ” There is less intensity than in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga or Ligue 1, but the level is good. […] It is the best league in Asia. […] If a good Ligue 1 player signs there thinking he’s going to wander around, he’s wrong. “A small warning for the applicants for a departure towards this championship much more lucrative than others. Lionel Messi is therefore warned. If he has, without question, the level to shine there, the intensity of the Saudi championship and the harsh weather that surrounds it could surprise the Argentinian.
