Despite a busy schedule and having little time to prepare for the ongoing Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the coach took time out to talk exclusively to FIFA.com. “It was time for a new challenge, and I hope I’ll succeed in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

During the interview, the 51-year-old Frenchman discussed, among other things, his objectives with the Saudi national team, his memories of more than a decade in Africa, and why he likes to have a good relationship with his players wherever he goes.

Both teams failed to break the deadlock at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram as the home side claimed their fourth point in the group.

Saudi Arabia are on five points, with group leaders Uzbekistan one ahead in the race for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying.

Facing a Saudi side ranked 31 places above them in the latest FIFA rankings, 101th Palestine dominated from start to finish in front of a large home crowd, but ultimately could not convert their chances.

Abdulfattah Asiri scored twice while Abdullah Al Hamdan added the third as Saudi Arabia registered their first victory after having opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against Yemen last month.

It was top vs bottom going into the game as Saudi Arabia had drawn with Yemen 2-2 in their first game and sat at the foot of the group with a single point, while Singapore had also collected a point with the same score against Yemen, then beat Palestine 2-1 to top the group with four points.

Three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia were the favourites going into the match but had to come from behind twice to salvage a point against a highly-motivated Yemen side in the qualifying tie for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Yemen, who also drew 2-2 with Singapore on Matchday One, took the lead after eight minutes through Mohsen Qarawi, with Hattan Bahebri drawing Saudi Arabia level. Omar Al Dahi restored Yemen's lead but they were pulled back once again with Salman Al Dawsari's goal giving Renard's side a share of the points.

Yemen twice led only for Saudi Arabia, who were opening their campaign, to force themselves back into the match at the Bahrain National Stadium.