Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad terminates coach Blanc’s contract after Al Nassr loss

Al Ittihad has relieved manager Laurent Blanc of his duties, the Saudi Pro League club said early Sunday following its 2-0 defeat against Al Nassr.

“Al Ittihad announces the termination of its contractual relationship with the first team’s head coach Mr Laurent Blanc and his coaching staff,” the club said on X.

Al Ittihad added that the club was also looking for “new technical staff that matches the club’s ambitions.”

Blanc took charge of Al Ittihad in July last year and led the team to a domestic double, winning both the league title and the King’s Cup.

However, the team began the new season by exiting the Saudi Super Cup in the semi-finals following a loss to Al Nassr, before suffering a second defeat to the Riyadh-based side in the league on Friday. They are third in the standings, three points behind Al Nassr.