Saudi Pro League: Al-ittihad Sack Nuno Santo Over Poor Form

By Chimezie Nebolisa

Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ittihad have parted ways with Portuguese coach, Nuno Espirito Santo following a string of poor performances and an altercation with Karim Benzema.

This season have seen Al-Ittihad won only six of their twelve league games. And their 2-0 AFC Champions League loss to Iraqi side, Al-Quwa Al-Juwiya on Monday seemed to be the last straw.

The Jeddah-based outfit has only won two of their last nine games in all competitions, and there have been rumours of manager and player tensions rising.

According to reports, Karim Benzema and Santo traded verbal jabs in the locker room following their loss to the Air Force Club.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Al-Ittihad said: “The club has announced the end of its contract with Portuguese coach, Nuno Santo. This decision comes after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the past phase during which he was in charge of coaching the first football team.”

According to reports, Laurent Blanc is one of the French managers Al Ittihad may consider hiring.