Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked as Al-Ittihad boss just six months after guiding the club to the Saudi league title.
The experienced Portuguese boss guided the club to their first league title in 14 years in May, having already won the won the Saudi Super Cup. That preceded a host of superstars joining the club as part of a financially-backed recruitment drive.
Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho were among the high-profile arrivals at the Jeddah club but things have not gone to plan this season with the club languishing in sixth place. They trail league leaders Al-Hilal by 11 points after 12 rounds of action.
Nuno’s side were beaten 2-0 by Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the Asian Champions League on Monday – a result which has sealed his fate in the dugout. Such was the disappointing nature of the result and performance, a review of the manager’s position resulted in his departure.
The club are likely to appoint a high-profile manager as Nuno’s long-term successor, although this may prove difficult in the middle of the campaign. Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is believed to be under consideration, despite his intention of remaining in England.
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Jose Mourinho – who has spoken of his openness of managing in Saudi Arabia – is another under consideration, although he remains contracted to Roma. The Portuguese would be the ideal candidate for Al-Ittihad but luring him at this point may prove too difficult.
In a statement confirming Nuno’s exit on Tuesday, Al-Ittihad wrote: “This decision comes after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the past phase which he was in charge of coaching the first team.” His number two, Hassan Khalifa, will take charge of first-team affairs on a temporary basis.
Nuno previously managed Wolves and Tottenham in the Premier League (IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)Nuno, a former goalkeeper, was infamously the first player client of super agent Jorge Mendes, who has overseen his career. After starting his career with Rio Ave in Portugal, he subsequently coached Valencia and Porto before stints in England with Wolves and Tottenham.
He guided Wolves, who were financially supported, back into the Premier League in 2017 but he struggled at Spurs following his appointment in 2021 – managing the club for just 17 matches before his exit in November that year.
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