Al Ittihad sack Nuno Espirito Santo after a clash with Karim Benzema
Al Ittihad sack Nuno Espirito Santo after a poor run of results, which culminated in a dressing room clash with captain Karim Benzema.
The Saudi Pro League champions are without a win in their last five matches, drawing three times and losing twice. Moreover, they have also dropped to sixth place in the table.
Nevertheless, after their 2-0 loss to Iraqi side Al Quwa Al Jawiya in the AFC Champions League, a verbal feud between Nuno and Benzema took place, in which they exchanged insults for some time.
According to Relevo, Nuno’s relationship with Benzema reportedly reached “a point of no return”.
As a result, Al Ittihad announced that they have parted ways with the Portuguese manager. Furthermore, he oversaw just two wins from their last nine games across all competitions despite investing so much money in the squad.
Al Ittihad sack Nuno Espirito Santo after a poor run of results
Al Ittihad said in a statement: “We have terminated the contractual relationship with Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo, after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the period he assumed responsibility.
“Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will assume team training till we appoint a new coach and overhaul the technical staff to meet the aspirations and ambitions of the club and its fans.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager took charge of Al-Ittihad in July 2022 with a contract until 2024, succeeding Cosmin Contra, and led the team to the title last season.
Despite signing high-profile players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho, things have not gone according to plan as they sit 6th in the table, 11 points behind leaders Al Hilal.
Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is believed to be under consideration along with Jose Mourinho, although he remains contracted to AS Roma.
