News

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad sack former Spurs boss Nuno Santo

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad have sacked former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo following a run of poor results.

They have won six of 12 league games this season and suffered a 2-0 defeat by Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

Nuno, 49, took over at Al-Ittihad in July 2022 after being sacked by Tottenham eight months earlier.

Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will take interim charge of the team.

Portuguese Nuno enjoyed a successful spell at Wolves from 2017 to 2021 but lasted just four months at Spurs before being replaced by Antonio Conte after losing five of 10 Premier League matches.

The former Porto coach guided Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad to the Saudi title last season, but there were reports of a difficult relationship with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who joined the club in June this year as part of the influx of stars into the league.

In a statement on X, 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.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho and ex-Chelsea and Leicester player N’Golo Kante also play for Al-Ittihad, who are sixth in the Saudi Pro League and will next play Abha on Friday.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Abdul Noah Ocholi
3 years ago

Recent Posts

ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF

  The Nigeria Football Federation, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences…

2 hours ago

14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie

  Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has opened a window on the approach the…

2 hours ago

Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta

    The Lagos football community is agog for the maiden edition of Tonic Cup,…

4 hours ago

**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have…

5 hours ago

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan Liverpool…

6 hours ago

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will 'put Lionel…

12 hours ago