In a recent announcement, Al Ittihad, the Saudi champions, have taken the decision to terminate their association with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
This move follows a series of unsatisfactory outcomes under the leadership of the Portuguese coach.
Nuno had been under considerable pressure due to the team’s struggles in the Saudi Pro League. The final blow came after a 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday.
Nuno, known for his successful tenure as the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2017 to 2021, had been at the helm of Jeddah-based Al Ittihad since July of the previous year.
While Nuno had previously led Al Ittihad to the Saudi title in the previous season, reports emerged of a strained relationship with striker Karim Benzema, who joined the club in June, marking a surge in foreign talent within the Pro League.
The club made an official statement on the matter, stating,
“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.”
As the club proceeds to seek a replacement for Nuno, assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will temporarily assume the managerial responsibilities.
Nuno’s appointment as Tottenham manager in the summer of 2021 was short-lived, as he was relieved of his duties after a mere four months in charge.
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