KUWAIT — Saudi Arabia's national football team coach, Hervé Renard, has urged his players to perform with the pride of representing their country, following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bahrain in the opening match of the Gulf Cup 26. Speaking at a post-match press conference, Renard said the team must work together to overcome their poor start and improve in the coming matches. Despite the setback, he emphasized the need for resilience and drew parallels with the 2019 Gulf Cup in Qatar, where Saudi Arabia recovered from an opening loss to reach the final. Renard acknowledged defensive lapses as a key issue in the defeat, particularly in the second and third goals conceded. He clarified that goalkeeper performance was not to blame but pointed instead to broader defensive struggles. He also discussed the absence of key players, including Salem Al-Dawsari, from the starting lineup, explaining that Al-Dawsari was initially planned to play only in the third match but insisted on participating in the second half. "This challenge is on me, and I take full responsibility for this result," Renard said. He highlighted the importance of unity and a collective effort, urging his team to rise to the occasion and show improvement in the remaining matches. Renard also reflected on the need to stay positive, recalling how the 2019 Gulf Cup campaign began with challenges but ultimately ended in success. He assured fans that the team would intensify their efforts to deliver better performances in the tournament.
