By Victor Kanayo
Following poor performance, a top Saudi Arabia club, Al-Ittihad, have relieved coach Nuno Espirito Santo of his duties.
This followed the not-too-impressive results by the club in recent times.
Club Statement
Confirming the development via a statement on Wednesday, Al-Ittihad said, “The club has announced the end of its contract with Portuguese coach Nuno Santo.
“The decision comes after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the past phase during which he was in charge of coaching the first football team.”
Nuno Pedigree
Despite being sacked, Nuno leaves Al-Ittihad with his reputation having been enhanced courtesy of 36 wins and just eight defeats coming from his 56 matches in charge.
Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa has been placed in caretaker charge while a process is undertaken to find a permanent replacement.
Nuno who had handled Tottenham Hotspur manager was highly favored at the club last season, as Al-Ittihad won the Saudi league title in his first term.
His immedaite exploit ensured that the club ended 14-year wait for another top-flight crown.
Downtime For Al-Ittihad
However, despite the arrival of star players including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho at the summer arrivals, Al-Ittihad trail Al-Hilal by 11 points after 12 games in the Saudi Pro League in the ongoing season.
They currently boast of 21 points from 12 matches to sit in sixth position on the table.
Although they sit top of their Champions League group after four matches, Al-Ittihad suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Al Quwa Al Jawiya on Monday night.
Likely Replacement
Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is a serious candidate to replace Nuno, according to The Mirror.
In addition, Roma manager Jose Mourinho is one whose name has also come up.
