Al Ittihad Begin Search For New Manager After Laurent Blanc Exit

Al Ittihad are looking for a new head coach after sacking Laurent Blanc. They reportedly reached out to Xavi, Luciano Spalletti, and Sergio Conceição.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Laurent Blanc was sacked after Al Ittihad lost 2-0 to Al Nassr on Friday night. Blanc led the team to a league and cup double last season, but a shaky start this year and their latest defeat left the club third. Al Ittihad are now three points behind leaders Al Nassr after four rounds of the Roshn Saudi League.

Blanc’s record with Al Ittihad was impressive, winning 29 out of 38 matches, but the club felt change was needed to match their ambitions. Hassan Al Khalifa will take responsibility of the team temporarily as Al Ittihad continue to assess their options for a new permanent manager. High-profile Xavi, Spalletti, and Conceição have all been approached by the club and talks held.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?

Xavi, who previously managed Barcelona, Spalletti, the current Italy national team head coach, and Conceição from Porto are under consideration by Al Ittihad. All three have experience managing big clubs and competing in major European leagues. Their potential arrival highlights the club’s burning desire to bring in a manager with a big name and a proven pedigree.

Last season, Xavi led Barcelona to a second-place finish in La Liga, while Spalletti, who was appointed Italy coach in June this year, won the Serie A with Napoli in 2023 and then took charge of Italy, and Conceição has recently helped Porto secure second in the Primeira Liga as they remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

WHAT NEXT FOR AL ITTIHAD AND THE SEASON?

Al Ittihad are currently third in the Saudi Pro League table, trailing Al Hilal by three points while remaining ahead of Al Nassr, who are one point below Ittihad at the moment. Their next fixture is at home against Al Fateh, who are currently sixth, two points behind. The team needs to arrest their slide quickly and continue to fight for the title and progress to the latter stages of the Champions League.

The choice of a new manager could prove crucial to how Al Ittihad fare over the rest of the campaign. With such big names linked as candidates, Al Ittihad fans will be watching closely to see who is next appointed to lead their team going forward.