Hervé Renard: Our fate depends on us

Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard has confirmed his team’s confidence in the ability to cross the Golden Square.

“We did not have enough time to prepare for the next game, but we have to be ready for this difficult group. Our fate depends on us,” he told the pre-Oman press conference.

Commenting on the Omani team: “They are the champions of the last version and are still the title holders and have a strong motivation to stay. They made a strong game against Kuwait and progressed 2-0 and did well; and in the second half retreated a bit, but they won in the end and topped.”

He added: “We do not fear any team, but we respect all teams. In the current situation, Oman is the top of our group and a draw is enough for them, and because of this, this task is not easy, and we have to play as we played against Bahrain. It is simple; we have to win.”

“Only winning is the first choice. I lost in the first meeting against Kuwait, but we are back and we have won against Bahrain. I hope this will be repeated in the next game against Oman.”

“Well, I was satisfied with the young players in the first game, although the result was not positive. For me the competition started in the second round and the ceiling of our ambitions has risen.”

“The players are very skilled. Sometimes we lose the ball and the ball bounces. I do not play with 11 defenders. I play to attack the opponent. This is my approach, but sometimes you face some circumstances.”