Hervé Renard hails Algeria’s strength as Saudi Arabia prepare for high-takes friendly

Hervé Renard has described Algeria as one of the strongest sides in international football today as Saudi Arabia prepare to face the North African nation on Tuesday at the Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah.

The French coach, long regarded as one of the most knowledgeable figures in African football, stressed that the fixture was deliberately selected to push his team to a higher competitive level.

Renard explained that the match forms a key part of his preparations for the months ahead, particularly with major tournaments looming.

The Saudi manager made clear that Algeria were chosen not for convenience, but for the demanding challenge they present.

He emphasised that encounters against elite opponents are crucial if Saudi Arabia are to sharpen their collective edge and sustain the progress shown in recent outings.

I chose Algeria because we need to face high-quality teams. Algeria is a strong, organized team that plays with great intensity.These kinds of matches are the only ones that help us improve. Facing strong teams like Algeria and Ivory Coast is necessary because it helps to enhance the team’s preparation before a major tournament like the World Cup, he stated.

Renard’s comments followed Saudi Arabia’s 1–0 victory over Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, in a match that saw the Ivorians field a near-full-strength side.

The result has bolstered confidence within the Saudi camp and strengthened belief that the team can compete against high-calibre opposition.

Saleh Abou Al-Shamat, who scored the winner against Ivory Coast, is among those expected to play an important role again as the squad looks to build upon Saturday’s momentum.

The fixture is also expected to draw a substantial crowd in Jeddah, adding to the atmosphere of what Renard views as an essential test.

His familiarity with African football – gained through years of managing national teams across the continent – shapes his conviction that Saudi Arabia must routinely face robust, tactically disciplined sides to continue developing.

For Algeria, the match offers an opportunity to measure their own progress.

Vladimir Petkovic is likely to rely on his most experienced players as he evaluates his team’s form following a convincing win over Zimbabwe.

The challenge of facing an increasingly confident Saudi Arabia on their home turf provides a timely gauge of Algeria’s resilience, organisation and mental sharpness.

As both teams look ahead to demanding competitions, Tuesday’s encounter promises a high-level contest shaped by Renard’s strategic vision and Algeria’s determined bid to maintain their upward trajectory.